LESSON 10

SEX AND SENSES

Lesson Objectives:
When you finish reading this chapter, you
should be able to:
1.discuss the human senses in the context of
sexual response; and
2.Show appreciation of how the sensorium
contributes to our experience of human
sexuality.
2
 Definition of Terms
Sensorium - the totality of our senses and perception
a conglomerate of the individual sense organ.
Olfaction – a sense of smell.
Tactile - something associated with touch.
Pheromone - a substance believed to be emitted by
organisms and which is thought to be influencing
social behaviors.
Major Histocompatibility Complex - a set of
protein molecules associated with the immune
system. 3
Introduction
Five bodily organs
These five senses comprise our sensorium--
Sense of sight (visual)
the totality of our sensory experiences and
Sense of smell (olfaction) perception. While we receive information
from our environment through the senses,
Sense of hearing (audition)
our brain has the ability to organize and

Sense of taste (gustation) interpret these numerous stimuli into

meaningful ideas that are useful for our
Sense of touch/feeling choices (behavior).
4
HUMAN AFFECT AND THE
SENSES

Interestingly, while human beings are hailed as

rational beings who are constantly making
choices and are behaving through a set of rational
choices made from higher-order thinking It is
hypothesized that our affect (emotions and
feelings) actually plays a major role in our
behaviors.
5
HUMAN AFFECT AND THE
SENSES

Limbic system- the emotional part of our brain

which is more primitive compared to the ones
responsible for higher-order thinking. 6
 HUMAN AFFECT AND THE
SENSES
3 basic emotional responses:
1. Fight- is when we face adverse or dangerous stimuli squarely. This would
mean grabbing the nearest solid object in the environment and throwing it to
the snake to “shoo" the snake away.
2. Flight- is when we move away from adverse or dangerous stimuli. This
would mean running away from the place, finding a new route where the
snake cannot find you.
3. Freeze -on the other hand is when you are startled and are unable to make
a choice, thus, are unable to move. Sometimes, the freeze response can also
be used to buy time so you can calculate the advantages and disadvantages of
your choice: shall you fight the snake or fly away from the scene.
7
SENSES AND SEXUALITY
Visual Experience
Humans are predominantly visual. Our societies highly rely on
visual culture to co-create meaning and convey information. For
instance, our language has a visual component, which died from
our witting systems. Walking down the streets, you will see a lot
of signs which direct you on what to do or not do.
Women and men differ in strategies for viewing sexual stimuli.
Women tend to pay more attention to contextual and nonsexual
cues than men and thus are putting prime on the subjective valuing
of circumstances. 8
SENSES AND SEXUALITY
Olfactory Experience
Olfaction in non-human animals, which are believed to be
microsmatic organisms, or organisms having a greater sense of
smell, has been an interest among psychologists since the
1950s. Conversely, humans and apes are generally believed to
be microsmatic (with lesser levels of olfaction) compared to
their non-ape counterparts. However, recent studies in the field
of human sexuality show that while we humans have limited
olfaction, our sense of smell may play an important part in our
sexual response.
9
SENSES AND SEXUALITY
Tactile Experiences
Touch is observed to be an element of intimacy. Our body is
covered in skin, often referred to as the largest bodily organ. Our
skin totally accounts for 16 to 20% of our body weight. It is a
sensitive organ as every square inch of it houses more than a
thousand nerve endings. Hence, in social interactions, particularly
intimate ones, touch holds meaning. There are only people whom
we allow to touch us. There are only parts of our bodies we allow
people to touch. Touching, just like any other behavior, may also
be governed by social norms.
10
SENSES AND SEXUALITY
Auditory Experience

Social interactions are not only visual but also

auditory processes. Our human language often has a
verbal counterpart to the written language. In fact,
historically, much of our culture is passed on through
oral traditions, even before the writing system was
developed.
11
“ End of Lesson 10

” 12
Lesson 11
SEXUAL
BEHAVIORS
Lesson Objectives:
When you finish reading this chapter, you
should be able to:
1. Discuss the variety of sexual behaviors in
humans;
2. Tackle atypical sexual variations; and 3.
show appreciation of the diversity of human
sexual expression.
14
 Definition of Terms
Sexual behavior - an action win sexual intention and context
Erotic - to sexual stimulation, has something to do with the erogenous
zone.
Sexual response cycle - sequence of events from arousal to orgasm to
resolution of sexual tension.
Sexual dysfunction - a concern or problem in any of the phases of the
sexual response cycle (e.g. inability to have an erection or orgasm, painful
intercourse).
Copulatory behavior - related to the insertion of the penis into the vagina.
Paraphilia - arousal from nonliving objects and or non-consenting persons.

15
Introduction
Frequency- how many times an action is done in a span of time.

Duration - how long does an action takes place, say, in seconds, minutes or hours?

Intensity- is the magnitude by which it is done.

Diversity - what are the varieties of similar behavior done in various contexts or
what are the different behaviors we are capable of depending on our physical

characteristics. 16
SEXUAL BEHAVIORS
Sexual behaviors are actions that humans agree to
interpret as an expression of their sexual motivations
or intentions. It is important to remember that
behaviors are given meaning by people. For instance,
while hugging and kissing may be considered sexual
In nature, this is not always the case because the
context of the behavior matters.
17
SEXUAL BEHAVIORS
Sexual behaviors are generally erotic behaviors such
that they involve any of the primary or secondary
erotic zones. Earlier we mentioned that body parts
such as face, neck, genitalia, and chest, among others,
are erogenous zones.

18
SEXUAL BEHAVIORS
Sexual behaviors can be typed according to the aim of the
behavior. For instance, sexual behavior such as masturbation
or the stimulation of one's own genitals can be considered
auto-erotic (self-directed). Erotic motivations can also be
directed at other people of the same sex or of the opposite sex.
Homoerotic behaviors are sexual behaviors oriented to the
same sex. On the other hand, heteroerotic behaviors are used
to refer to sexual behaviors oriented to the other sex.
19
 SEXUAL BEHAVIORS
For reproductive purposes, copulation or the insertion of the
penis into the vagina is necessary. Humans can assume two
positions in this process. More common is the ventral-ventral
position (Ventris: abdomen), wherein the male and the female
species are facing each other. Alternatively, a ventral-dorsal
position (dorsum: back), may be assumed wherein the
abdomen of the male species is facing the dorsum of the
female species, such that insertion of the penis to the vagina is
from behind.

20
SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE
For heterosexual couples, one of the ultimate goals
of the sexual act is reproduction. This is made
possible through the fertilization of the ovum by a
sperm, which necessitates ejaculation (release of the
sperm) from the human male into the internal
reproductive system of the human female. Before
this ultimate process, both the human male and
female undergoes a sequence of bodily changes
which prepare them for the sexual climax. This
sequence of changes is referred to as the sexual
response cycle. 21
Excitement
The Excitement phase is the first phase in the cycle. For the human
male, the goal of this phase is erection or tumescence (the
elongation and stiffening of the penis) so that it can be efficiently
inserted into the vagina. At this phase, the testes and scrotum start to
elevate and some parts of the skin (e.g., in the breast and chest)
reddens- a phenomenon referred to as a sex flush. For the human
female, the goal of this phase is lubrication (wetness of the vaginal
orifice to facilitate insertion of the penis). Lubrication is made
possible by vaginal vasocongestion. At this phase, there is swelling
of the glans clitoris and the labia minora, and there are sex flushes
in the breasts and chest. In both male and female humans, heart rate
increases during the excitement phase. 22
Plateau
The Excitement phase is followed by the Plataeu
phase. This phase is characterized by a sustained peak
in stimulation of the organs. In the human male, the
corona and glans penis become enlarged and reddish.
Internally, the Cowper's glands release a lubricating
fluid and the testes and the scrotum are totally
elevated. In the human female, the outer vagina swells
while the inner vagina expands and becomes elongated
creating the orgasmic platform (tenting). 23
Orgasm
The Orgasm phase is the climax of the sexual response
cycle. It is a stage of release wherein the human male
achieves ejaculation and the human female is ready to
receive the sperm for possible fertilization. In the
human male, ejaculation is made possible by the
contraction of the vas deference, seminal vesicles, and
urethra, followed by the contraction of the rectal
sphincter. In the human female, the vagina, uterus, and
anal sphincter also contract. 24
Resolution

In the Resolution phase, the male penis return to its

normal unerected phase, whereas the testes and the
scrotum descend. In the human female, the outer and
inner reproductive organs also relax.

25
Desire

Desire is the psychological component of the sexual

response. It involves sexual thoughts and feelings,
which are necessary for a satisfying sexual experience.
However, desire does not necessarily translate into
action.

26
Arousal

Arousal phase is the phase where the Excitement

and Plateau (as defined by Masters and Johnson)
take place. It is the physiological component of the
sexual response, wherein bodily changes occur as
an outcome of sexual stimulation. Just like Desire,
Arousal may not necessarily translate into Orgasm.

27
 SEXUAL RESPONSE
DYSFUNCTIONS
Some people experience difficulty or problems in some of the sexual
phases. The following are the common sexual response dysfunctions:
1. Sexual desire disorder - when an individual has low levels of desire
or has an aversion to sexual activities;
2. Sexual arousal disorder - when an individual has problems in
achieving the necessary physiological state for copulation (e.g.,
erectile dysfunction in males);
3. Orgasmic disorder - when an individual has problems in achieving
orgasm (eg, premature ejaculation among males; male and female
orgasmic disorders); and
4. Sexual pain disorders - when there is an experience of pain during
the sexual response cycle (e.g., painful erection or dyspareunia, and
vaginal spasms or vaginismus). 28
PARAPHILIAS
While there are typical sexual behaviors among
humans, there are also those behaviors that are
relatively a typical. They are atypical due to any of the
following reasons:
(1) they are not prevalent,
(2) they are dangerous to self and to others,
(3) they are bizarre and are not socially acceptable, and
(4) they are distressing either to the doer or to other
people involved in the act.
29
PARAPHILIAS
Among these atypical sexual behavioral variations,
which is also considered by the APA as a disorder, is
Paraphilia. Paraphilia is when an individual gets
sexually aroused by an object, a person, or a
circumstance that are unusual (e.g., pain-inflicting,
humiliating, non-consenting persons). A paraphilic
disorder is when the urge or act lasts for at least six
months and is a manifestation of clinically significant
distress.

30
PARAPHILIAS
Some of the common paraphilic disorders are as follows:

• exhibitionism - pleasure from exposing one's genitals to

nonconsenting people;
• fetishism - arousal from non-living objects (e.g., shoes,
socks, body parts);
• frotteurism - touching or rubbing one's body or genitals to
nonconsenting people;
• pedophilia - arousal from children (prepubescent);

31
PARAPHILIAS
• sexual masochism - arousal from actual suffering or
humiliation;
• sexual sadism - arousal from actually inflicting pain to
others;
• transvestic fetishism - (for heterosexual males only)
arousal from wearing clothing by the opposite sex during
sexual activities; and
• voyeurism - observing other people engaged in sexual
activities.
32
“ End of Lesson 11

” 33
Lesson 12
STEREOTYPE,
PREJUDICES AND
DISCRIMINATION

34
 Lesson Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, you
should be able to:
1. Differentiate stereotype,
prejudice, and discrimination;
and
2. Understand the
manifestations of stereotypes,
prejudice, and discrimination
on gender.

04/07/2024 PRESENTATION TITLE 35

Definition of Terms
• Stereotype - extremely generalized belief
about a group of people.
• Prejudice - unjustified or incorrect attitude
towards a person.
• Discrimination - when stereotypes and
prejudice translate into a negative acts towards
a pers
Introduction
There are 7.7 billion people across 195 countries and
every race has its own belief systems, religion,
culture, and tradition. Yet, each individual is a unique
mix of their own. That is why appreciating diversity is
very important to fully understand the human
experience and for us to coexist peacefully. However,
understanding diversity requires us to broaden our
appreciation of the many facets of the human race and
recognize that we have our own stereotypes,
prejudice, and discrimination too.
37
Stereotypes Stereotypes are an "over-
generalized belief about a particular group or
class of people" (Cardwell 1996). It can be
helpful in simplifying things, after all, there
7.7 billion people in the planet. When we meet
someone for the first time, we associate with
them certain characteristics and abilities that
we usually base on the group they belong to.

38
While some stereotypes convey positive examples
like a student from Ivy League schools would be
stereotyped as very intelligent or matalino, or
Filipinos being known for our hospitality), most
stereotypes, however, are drawn from negative
generalizations like equating our Muslim countrymen
as terrorists and viewing farmers and blue-collar
workers as lazy and less educated.

39
It reflects our expectations and beliefs and is largely based on
the social circle we belong to as we try to conform or agree to
the standard way of thought. However, these stereotypes
change through time depending on social and political
conditions. A stereotype can be categorized as 'explicit,
meaning the person is aware that they have these thoughts
towards a group of people and they can say it out loud. It can
also be "implicit" wherein a person does not know if they have
these stereotypes since it lies in their subconscious. When the
stereotype is explicit, a person can choose not to turn their
stereotypes into actions. While with an implicit stereotype, a
person has no control or awareness of it, and it may manifest
into actions or behavior.

40
Prejudice
Prejudice is an "unjustified or incorrect attitude
(usually negative) towards an individual based
solely on the individual's membership of a social
group" (McLeod 2008). Prejudice represents our
emotional response upon learning of a persons'
membership to a specific group (like age, skin
color, race, disability, generation, nationality,
religion, sex, sexual expression, gender expression,
and so on).
41
Discrimination
Discrimination refers to actions or behaviors
towards an individual or a group of people.
According to the United Nations.
"discriminatory behaviors take many forms,
but they all involve some form of exclusion or
rejection".

42
People who are discriminated on are treated
worse than the way people are usually treated
just because they belong to a certain group or
they have certain characteristics. Here are a
few examples of discrimination:

43
 • genocide - is the action of recognizing someone as
different so much that they are treated inhumanly and
degraded.
• apartheid - (means separateness) is a form of racial
discrimination wherein one race is viewed as less than the
other, resulting in the separation of black and whites and
the mass murder of Jews in concentration camps.
• gender discrimination - is another common form of
discrimination. Statistically, women earn less than men
and are often relegated to be solely responsible for child-
rearing and house chores.

04/07/2024 PRESENTATION TITLE 44

Men, on the other hand, are discriminated in household
responsibilities such that they are perceived as less manly
when they do their share of house chores or when they
become stay-at-home husbands.
• LGBT - discrimination happens when LGBT people are
treated as lesser than straight people. Discrimination
happens early in their childhood as they get bullied when
they act differently or dress differently than other kids.
During adolescence, they get judged, bullied, or
physically assaulted as they explore and express their
sexuality.

45
FREEDOM AND EQUALITY
Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights (UDHR) states that "all human beings are
born free and equal in dignity and rights." This
declaration was drafted by member countries of the
United Nations, including the Philippines, in 1948.
This monumental document outlines the
fundamental rights of every human being that
should be protected by everyone at all times.
46
Its preamble recognizes that the "inherent dignity and of
the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the
human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and
peace in the world."
While discriminatory traditions, policies, ideas, practices,
and laws exist in many countries, many have shifted
towards making opportunities and privileges accessible to
everyone. In many countries, people of the same sex can
now get married and create their own families while
enjoying the same rights as straight couples. In the
Philippines, all establishments are now required by law to
have an access ramp for people with disabilities.

47
 Appreciating diversity of the human race is
key to making a safer and more inclusive
environment for everyone, regardless of race,
sex, religion, sexuality, gender, or creed.

48
Thank you