Discussion 1
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Anthropology
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Dec 6, 2023
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Uploaded by ProfDogMaster495
Why is it important to study sexuality across history? Across cultures? Across
species? In other words, what can studying sexuality in this way tell us about
ourselves? About sexuality?
Curiosity is the driving force behind individuals' interest in studying the topic of
sex, as explained by Hyde and DeLamater (2020). In the United States, there has
always been a societal taboo surrounding sex. The influence of sexuality penetrates
every aspect of an individual's life; therefore, the study of sex is not only practical but
also essential. By examining sex, we can enhance our understanding of reproductive
health and our overall mental well-being (Wright, 2016). Human sexuality is
profoundly shaped by religion, science, and culture, and exploring these
commonalities and variations can provide valuable insights into sexual behaviors and
gender roles (Hyde & DeLamater, 2020). Studying sexuality in greater depth will
enable individuals to learn about themselves and others (Wright, 2016). Similar to
how humans progress and change as a community, sex also undergoes development
(Wright, 2016). Examining history can provide current and future generations with an
understanding of sexual advancement.
Describe a few ways that our ideas about sex have evolved over the past 100 years
in the United States. How has this evolution impacted current counseling practices
today when dealing with this issue?
For the past century, religion and gossip have served as the primary channels of
information regarding sexuality (Hyde & DeLamater, 2020). In ancient Greece, the
presence of both heterosexuality and homosexuality was openly recognized and
explained through mythological narratives. During the fifteenth century, Christians
attributed "wet dreams" (nocturnal emissions) to interactions with supernatural beings
known as incubi and succubi, and individuals experiencing such dreams were deemed
culpable of engaging in sodomy. Acknowledging the significance of the trailblazers
from the 19th century, the progress of scientific inquiry and exploration gave rise to
fresh concepts on sexual orientation, the role of religion, and its enduring impact on
contemporary viewpoints (Hyde & DeLamater, 2020). Pioneering investigators in the
field of sexuality, like Freud (1856) and Ellis (1896), initiated their research during
the latter part of the 1800s, a period marked by strict conventions surrounding sexual
matters (Hyde & DeLamater, 2020).
This evolution of sex has impacted us today by the monumental event of marriage
equality that forever altered the landscape of marriage. The United States Supreme
Court case Obergefell v. Hodges led to the legalization of same-sex marriage
nationwide (Chappell, 2015). The court's decision had far-reaching implications,
marking a significant turning point in the recognition of LGBTQ+ rights. The
legalization of same-sex marriage has had a profound impact on society, fostering a
more inclusive and accepting environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.This has
provided legal protection, rights, and benefits to same-sex couples that were
previously denied based on their sexual orientation. This landmark decision
symbolized a significant step in the ongoing fight for equality and affirmed the rights
of all individuals to love and marry whomever they choose. This leads to the
discussion of same-sex and heterosexual counseling.
CACREP (Counseling for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational
Programs) accreditation criteria require that programs equip counseling students with
the skills to assist with a wide range of challenges in diverse relationships and
families (DeDiego, 2016). Nevertheless, additional training and awareness are
required to adequately equip counselors to offer targeted support to same-sex couples
and families. By actively acknowledging the obstacles faced by same-sex couples
within our system and embracing the distinct dynamics of their family structures,
counselors can deliver essential services to these partners, who are now legally
acknowledged, as they navigate the journey of becoming parents and raising children
in a society that predominantly favors heterosexual norms (DeDiego, 2016).
References
Chappell, B. (2015). Supreme Court Declares Same-Sex Marriage Legal in all 50
States retrieved from
Supreme Court Declares Same-Sex Marriage Legal In All
50 States : The Two-Way : NPR
DeDiego, Amanda C. (2016). Counseling Today. American Counseling Association,
A systemic perspective for working with same-sex parents. Retrieved from
https://ct.counseling.org/2016/09/systemic-perspective-working-sex-parents/
Hyde, J.S., DeLamater, J.D. (2020). Understanding Human Sexuality, fourteenth
edition. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Education
Wright, D. (2016). The Importance of Researching Human Sexuality. Retrieved from
The importance of researching human sexuality | The Sheaf - The University of
Saskatchewan Newspaper Since 1912
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