Research Topics: Sex Education Essays

All about the Concept of Sex

All about the Concept of Sex   Introduction             One of the most important topics to consider in the society is the topic about sex.  Most people have different perception about sex and most can be said to have a very little knowledge about it. Most of the time, people viewed it as a human desire which should be fulfilled with the blessings of marriage.  Primarily, the goal of this paper is to analyse the definition of sex and discuss about the definition of sexual pleasure, Freud sexuality and type of sexuality/Oedipus complex.  Understanding the meaning and comprehending concept of sex is important to draw a conclusion on whether this can be used for psychodynamic counselling. Definition of Sex             Accordingly, sex is defined as either of two major forms of individuals which occur in various species and which are distinguished respectively as male or male, specifically on the basis of the structures of their reproductive organs.  On the other hand, it is also defined as functional, structural and behavioral characteristics of organisations which are involved in reproduction marked by the union of their gametes and that distinguish females or males.  According yo Canadian Federation for Sexual Health (2009), sex is an expression and reproductive choice and considered as a fundamental rights for people throughout life. Realizing the importance of knowing the definition of sex, it is said that information about sex could really help individual know its true essence with regards to physical, emotional or even health aspects. Definition sexual pleasure             Sexual pleasure is an emotion which is felt when people are sexually aroused. The sexual arousal is the body’s response to sexual stimulation. As part of the context of sex, sexual pleasure is also recognised as a universal right.  Accordingly, human can experience pleasure in various ways through hugging, touching, kissing, exercise and others. Scholars note that some of the greatest physical pleasures involved sexual experience and arousal.  Accordingly, the foundations of sexual pleasure should be considered as biological, regardless of the momentousness or triviality of the cultural influences. To give an example, the penile erection is very evident in the male future by the 38th week in utero, long before environmental or cultural conditioning could have significant influence. Other, suggestive evidence is the existence of the clitoris, a reproductive organ which ultimate function is to give pleasure (Abramson & Pinkerton, 1995). On the other hand, the physiological specialization for pleasure is specifically evident in orgasm. It can be argued that the orgasm of male is subservient to ejaculation and hence, satisfies reproductive purpose. In line with female orgasm, women can definitely ovulate and conceive without orgasm. In addition, women seem to attain orgasm more readily in times of clitoral masturbation and oral-genital sex than in vaginal penetration. This indicates that t female orgasm is relatively less common during reproductive sexual activities. With this aspect, the context of “phantom orgasm,” was introduced. This is a phenomenon experienced by some men with spinal cord injuries. Even if physiology lays the biological bases for sexual functioning, culture, learning, and other environmental factors tend to identify the ways in which humans ultimately experience and express their sexual preferences. Studies show that there is enormous variability in the experience of sexual pleasure, much of which arises from disparate cultural expectations and norms, specifically with regards to gender differences in human sexual behavior.   Definition Freud sexuality             The theory of Freud’s of human personality and development are subjected upon his invention of the psychoanalysis therapeutic technique. In this classical theory of Freud, there is but one instinct or drive, which is the sexual drive. The definition of Freud about sexuality is noted to be extremely large, and indeed seems to be all-embracing as to be worthless. It is true that the capacity for individual organism is there neurologically from birth. However, Freud was not just giving emphasis on orgasm. For him, sexuality meant not only an intercourse between two individuals, but all pleasurable sensation from the skin. According to him, it is evident even to the most prudish among us that even infants, babies, children, and, of course, adults, enjoy pleasurable experiences such as caresses, kisses, hugging and other. In hi theory, he also notes that at various times in our lives, various parts of the skin give us greatest pleasure. According to Freud’s theory, sexuality comes from different stages. Each phase is a progression into adult sexual maturity, which is described by a strong ego as well as the ability to delay gratification. Accordingly, he utilised Oedipus conflict to point how much he believed that people desires incest and this should be represses. Freud analysed Oedipus conflict as a state of psychosocial development as well as awareness. According to psychoanalysts Melanie Klein, in sexuality, both the artistic creativity as well as bodily pleasures was areas in which the central human struggle between hate, love, and compensation was carried out. Men and women were deeply seen as concerned regarding the balance with their own ability to hate and love, about their potentialities to keep their object alive, both their relationships to other as real objects as well as internal objects, inner sense of goodness as well as vitality. In her view, Klein perceived that sexual intercourse is a highly dramatic part in which both individuals impact one another and the quality of the essence of an individual were exposed and on the line. The capability to arouse and satisfy the partner represented a person’s compensation capacities; to give pleasure and enjoyment suggested that the love of one to another was stronger than hate.  The potentialities to be aroused and satisfied by the other imply that one was alive, and that his/her internal objects were flourishing (Mitchell & Black, 1995). In the theory of Lacan, it was mentioned that people are not even in control of their own desires since such desired are separated from the actual bodily needs as the phallus is not connected from the biological penis. In this regard, it has been suggested that whereas zero form of sexuality for animals is known as copulation, the zero form of sexuality in human beings is masturbation.  According to Lacan, sexuality is driven by love. Different Sexuality/Oedipus Complex  Sexuality has different types, depending on how theorists view it. The Oedipus complex in Freud’s psychoanalytic theory is noted as a group of largely unconscious (dynamically repressed) feelings and ideas which focuses on the desire to have the parent of the opposite sex and eliminate the parent of the same sex (Rycroft, 1995). In the classical theory, the complexity happens during the so-called oedipal stage of the libidinal and ego development. This occurs between the ages of three and five. However, oedipal signs and materialisation may be detected earlier.             Accordingly, this type of sexuality is a universal occurrence, built in phylogenetically, and is accountable for much unconscious guilt among individuals.  It is said that classical theory notes the successful resolution of the Oedipus complex to be desirable in developmental aspects, and it is noted to be the vital aspects for the development of gender roles as well as identity. According to Freud, boys and girls resolved such conflicts distinctively and uniquely as a result of the male’s castration anxiety which is caused by the rivalry with their fathers and the female’s penis envy.             The resolution of the Oedipus complex, as classical theory perceives, takes place with the identification of the parent of the same sex and the temporary renunciation of the parent of the opposite sex. Those individuals who are fixated at the oedipal level are considered as father fixated or mother-fixated and reveal this by selecting sexual partners who are discernible surrogates for their parent(s). The Freudian theory, Oedipus complex, had influenced early thoughts and perception of what males should and should not be. The general idea of the theory showed that men are figures of power and authority as they are the “One”, while females were regarded as the “Other”. This theory had somehow shaped the views of media audiences and producers. In a way, the theory had facilitated the people’s view on the image sexuality and sexual preferences.   Conclusion             By and large, it can be concluded that sexual desires are a normal feeling among individuals. However, being human, it is important that people should be responsible on how they do it and how they intend to do it. The sexuality of the people is bounded by different theories which should be given consideration to understand why people act differently than the other. Based on the given statements about sex, sexuality and sexual pleasure, it can be said this can still be used in the context of psychodynamic counseling. It is still important that the theories should be a part of the counseling technique to provide efficient recommendation to a given situation.   Reference Abramson, PR and Pinkerton, SD (1995).  With Pleasure: Thoughts on the Nature of Human Sexuality. Oxford University Press, 1995. 310 pg   Mitchell, S. A., & Black, M. J. (1995). Freud and beyond. New York: Basic Books.  “Oedipus Complex”. (2000). The Columbia Encyclopedia. Sixth Edition. New York: Columbia University Press.     Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

All about the Concept of Sex

All about the Concept of Sex Introduction One of the most important topics to consider in the society is the topic a...

The Effects of Sex Education to Secondary Students

The Effects of Sex Education to Secondary Students             It has been a matter of debate in the Philippines whether the Reproductive Health Bill should be passed and implemented. The said bill discusses the issues of responsible parenthood by spreading awareness to the public on contraceptives and their possible effects. Thus, the said bill touches the issue of sex education which is to be implemented in the elementary and secondary levels.1 Aside from the issue of contraceptives, sex education is very much criticized by various sectors who contend that carrying out such thing would have unfavorable results. This brings us to question as just how would sex education really affect minors, especially secondary students who are in the verge of adulthood.             The conservative sector of the country strongly oppose the application of the program in the elementary and secondary level. They  say that this may lead to earlier sexual activity due to the exposure to the said subject. However, many experts have been telling the exact opposite.2 Secondary Level is the level wherein most students (called teenagers) are in their puberty stage. According to Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development, puberty is the time in life when a person becomes sexually mature. It is also characterized by hormonal changes that affects the sexual attitudes of teenagers.3 The changes brought about by puberty or adolescence may bring stress and confusion to teenagers. While many are able to cope up with these changes successfully, there are many who find themselves engaging to different behaviors including sexual behaviors. We cannot hide from the fact that more and more young people are engaging in premarital sex today. A study made by the UP Population Institute on 2002 showed that 23% of Filipino youths have engaged in premarital sex with numbers higher in males at 31.1% and 15.9% on females. A large number of these premarital sex  occurred without contraceptives at 79%.4 Surely, the numbers are higher now. Statistics have shown that even without sex education, youths have already been experimenting with premarital sex. There is nothing we could do about it, but maybe sex education may help. Family Health International, a pioneer in the research of global health and development, strongly recommend the implementation of sex education in the basic curriculum. They boast of the positive results sex education have given especially delaying first sexual intercourse, or if they have done it already, convincing them to use contraception. Dr. Cynthia Waszak states that we should give the youth the right information about sex.5 Awareness here is the key. Awareness has always been a good thing and not a bad thing. Young people’s interest in sex is forever present because it is naturally in them. It is because of the hormone and we can’t do anything about our hormones. It is how the body works. Opening up their minds would be good because through education, all their questions about sex would be addressed to. It would also touch teenage issues such as self – esteem, goal development and respect for others. In a study conducted by the African Health Sciences in Nigeria, sex education has given a significant difference between those who were subjected in the program and those who were not. The youngsters who have undergone sex education were reported to be in less risk compared than those who were not. Their knowledge of sexual  health have improved and they have absorbed much of what were taught to them about sex in the said program. The study concluded that sex education should be recommended to be introduced in their curriculum.6 The same thing may be conducted here in the Philippines to show the effects sex education may bring. There are no apprehensions however, for virtually all studies conducted about sex education conclude that sex education results in favorable effects.  References: 1Lagman, E. 2008.“Facts and Fallacies on the Reproductive Health Bill.”Philippine Daily             Inquirer: 3, August. 	 	 	2 	Espinosa, H. 2010. 	 	Filipino Parents Oppose Sex Education in the Philippines.  	 	 	            Balitang America: 24, June. 	 	 	3 	 	 	Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development, 	2007. 	 	 	            	 	Puberty (Online). Available: 	 	 	http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/puberty.cfm 	[3   	 	 	            May 2011]. 	 	 	4 	 	 	UP Population Institute, 2002. Facts and Figures (Online). Available: 	 	 	 	 	            	 	 	http://www.drdf-uppi.net/Figures/sexuality_enlarge.png [3 	May 2011]. 5Finger, W. 2000. Sex Education Helps Prepare Young Adults (Online). Available:                 http://www.fhi.org/en/rh/pubs/network/v20_3/nwvol20-3youthed.htm [3 May             2011]. 6Esere, M. 2008. Effect of sex education programme on at-risk sexual behaviour of             school-going adolescents in Ilorin, Nigeria (Online). Available:             http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2584331/ [3 may 2011] 	 	 	        Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

The Effects of Sex Education to Secondary Students

The Effects of Sex Education to Secondary Students It has been a matter of debate in the Philippines whether the Reprodu...

The Effects of Sex Education to Secondary Students

The Effects of Sex Education to Secondary Students

The Effects of Sex Education to Secondary Students It has been a matter of debate in the Philippines whether the Reprodu...

EFFECTS OF SEX EDUCATION AND SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUND ON TEENAGE PREGNANCY

EFFECTS OF SEX EDUCATION AND SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUND ON TEENAGE PREGNANCY             The official definition of teenage pregnancy, according to a website source, is the pregnancy of a woman who has not celebrated her 20th natal day when the end  of her pregnancy occurred. In layman’s terms, teenage pregnancy refers to adolescents, usually unmarried, who most of the times, accidentally became pregnant.             Teenage pregnancies  are said to be interconnected with socio-economic issues. Teenage mothers usually have an inferior or lower academic status, and  they come from lower economic and social standing. They  suffer a social stigma in many cultures as pregnancy is usually outside marriage.             In the first world countries, those who have the highest rate of teenage pregnancies are adolescents coming from the United States and the United Kingdom while the lower juvenile pregnancies recorded came from Japan and South Korea. Globally, the highest ratio of adolescent pregnancies comes from the countries of sub-Saharan Africa. It has a range of 143 teenage pregnancies per 1000 teenagers. It is because female marry at a very early age in these countries.               The organization Save the Children found out that ninety percent of teenage pregnancies occur in developing countries.  In the countries of Western Europe, teenage pregnancy or birth is not common. They attributed it to an effective sex education and the easy availability of contraceptives in the market as in the case of Scandinavian countries and Netherlands. For Italy and Spain,  social stigmatization and traditional cultural values and mores still influence the actions of most of the adolescents.             Along with a very high teenage pregnancy rate in America, so is the abortion rate of teenagers. It declined in the 1990s due to, according to the Guttmacher Institute, one fourth abstinence and three fourth availing of contraceptives. However, it again rose in 2006. Its increase might also mean  that there was a probable reduction in abortions.             Causes of early pregnancy differ in every society. Some society still applies the traditional or conventional gender roles and early marriage. In some, early pregnancy is considered as a blessing. In India, it is said that the primary cause of teenage pregnancy is the almost non-existent safe sex education and teachings. Teaching the youth birth control methods and  the proper and correct way to handle peer pressure to indulge in sex and to say no to their boyfriends were usually not discussed by their parents, school authorities, or any government representatives.             Teenagers are usually too afraid  or too shy to ask for information on sexuality much less  ask for contraceptives. The Teenage Pregnancy Strategy of the United Kingdom found out those young adolescent women, when asked about contraceptives, only knows about the pill or condom. They have little or no knowledge about other  techniques. They usually get their knowledge from media, books or any reading materials,  and friends.             Aside from these, there are certain  preconceptions about contraceptives. One of this is the apprehension on side effects. Sometimes, they forget to take their pills because they still have to hide the pills from family members, and they experience some problems or inconveniences when they need to purchase or get repeat prescriptions.             In some situations, the contraceptives were used incorrectly.  Incorrect use of condoms is usually experienced by first timers.             In the socioeconomic factor, poverty is rated the top cause of teenage pregnancies.  Female children  who come from a household where abuse  and domestic violence occurs tend to pregnancy at an early age. The higher the rate the teenager is exposed to unpleasant experiences, the higher the rate that teenager will be pregnant early.  Likewise, boys raised in the same troubled household are the most likely to get a girl pregnant.             Studies show that girls who have no fathers or whose fathers abandoned them at an early age have a high tendency to engage in sexual activity early. It was also shown that girls whose fathers  did not abandon them at all only engage in sexual activities at a later age             Low expectations on academic attainments are also a risk issue. If a mother or older sisters were teenage mothers, a girl is more likely to follow them.             A survey conducted by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies showed that the incidence of teenage pregnancy are the characteristics of the lack of communication in the family particularly between child and parents, and to lack of and ineffective supervision of parents. Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

EFFECTS OF SEX EDUCATION AND SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUND ON TEENAGE PREGNANCY

EFFECTS OF SEX EDUCATION AND SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUND ON TEENAGE PREGNANCY The official definition of teenage pregnancy, acc...

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