Sexual behavior is a highly controversial topic. Different cultural groups have varying beliefs regarding the appropriateness and morality of various sexual behaviors, when these behaviors should occur and with whom, the age at which sexual behavior should occur, and so forth. Sexual behavior is a common topic in religion, politics, and education. It is so grounded in cultural and religious belief systems that accepting differences in others’ sexual behavior is difficult, if not impossible, for some. Not only are there differing religious and cultural views on sexuality, but there are also different views and perceptions of gender-related aspects of sexuality within cultural groups. For example, in some cultures, prepubescent, same-sex experimentation is expected and encouraged prior to adulthood, whereas this behavior is perceived as abnormal in most Western societies. In some cultures, women are perceived as having a much lower sex drive than men, and older adults may be perceived as having no sex drive at all. As with any perception, when society acts on an assumption, people are impacted. As a simple example, if you assume that older adults do not have sex and construct barriers for sexual activity in assisted living facilities, the psychological well being of the residents in that facility may be affected. Understanding the differences in sexuality in different cultural groups is an important aspect of understanding the whole person and the person's behavior. For this Discussion, you analyze two case studies of individuals who have multiple identities related to sex, gender, and sexual orientation and consider how these identities would affect aspects of their lives if they lived in your culture. To prepare Review the two case studies in this week’s Learning Resources and consider the subjects’ specific identities related to sex, gender, and sexual orientation. Think about how Alberto and Jeanette would experience life in your culture given their specific identities. Consider the advantages and challenges that Alberto and Jeanette may face regarding friendships, romantic relationship, and sexuality within your culture. By Day 4 Post a brief description of your culture. Then explain the advantages and challenges that Alberto and Jeanette would encounter related to friendships, romantic relationships, and sexuality in your culture. Two case studies: Case Study: Alberto Alberto is an 18-year-old genetically born male. He is the eldest of four siblings; he has two brothers (ages 17 and 14) and a sister (age 12). From the time Alberto was a young child, his parents noticed that he was quiet and shy compared to other boys his age. He learned to read at a very young age and was content to curl up with a book rather than play with other children. Several of Alberto’s early grade school teachers referred to him as “sensitive” and “gentle” for a boy. Alberto was very close to his siblings growing up, often acting as caregiver or babysi ...

1. Sexual behavior is a highly controversial topic. Different
cultural groups have varying beliefs regarding the
appropriateness and morality of various sexual behaviors, when
these behaviors should occur and with whom, the age at which
sexual behavior should occur, and so forth. Sexual behavior is a
common topic in religion, politics, and education. It is so
grounded in cultural and religious belief systems that accepting
differences in others’ sexual behavior is difficult, if not
impossible, for some.
Not only are there differing religious and cultural views on
sexuality, but there are also different views and perceptions of
gender-related aspects of sexuality within cultural groups. For
example, in some cultures, prepubescent, same-sex
experimentation is expected and encouraged prior to adulthood,
whereas this behavior is perceived as abnormal in most Western
societies. In some cultures, women are perceived as having a
much lower sex drive than men, and older adults may be
perceived as having no sex drive at all. As with any perception,
when society acts on an assumption, people are impacted. As a
simple example, if you assume that older adults do not have sex
and construct barriers for sexual activity in assisted living
facilities, the psychological well being of the residents in that
facility may be affected. Understanding the differences in
sexuality in different cultural groups is an important aspect of
understanding the whole person and the person's behavior.
For this Discussion, you analyze two case studies of individuals
who have multiple identities related to sex, gender, and sexual
orientation and consider how these identities would affect
aspects of their lives if they lived in your culture.
To prepare

2. Review the two case studies in this week’s Learning Resources
and consider the subjects’ specific identities related to sex,
gender, and sexual orientation.
Think about how Alberto and Jeanette would experience life in
your culture given their specific identities.
Consider the advantages and challenges that Alberto and
Jeanette may face regarding friendships, romantic relationship,
and sexuality within your culture.
By Day 4
Post
a brief description of your culture. Then explain the advantages
and challenges that Alberto and Jeanette would encounter
related to friendships, romantic relationships, and sexuality in
your culture.
Two case studies: Case Study: Alberto Alberto is an 18-year-old
genetically born male. He is the eldest of four siblings; he has
two brothers (ages 17 and 14) and a sister (age 12). From the
time Alberto was a young child, his parents noticed that he was
quiet and shy compared to other boys his age. He learned to
read at a very young age and was content to curl up with a book
rather than play with other children. Several of Alberto’s early
grade school teachers referred to him as “sensitive” and
“gentle” for a boy. Alberto was very close to his siblings
growing up, often acting as caregiver or babysitter when
needed, and he generally helped out a great deal at home with
chores. When he showed a keen interest in science and creative
writing during middle school, Alberto was encouraged by
several teachers to join school academic clubs to foster these

3. interests. Alberto did so, and he built a small but close group of
friends. Alberto’s father, hoping to “toughen him up,” tried to
encourage Alberto to participate in sports, such as football or
basketball, but Alberto showed no interest. During 10th grade,
Alberto became the target of bullying by several older boys at
school. They frequently verbally harassed him, calling him
names like “sissy” and “Alberta” and using slurs related to his
mixed-ethnic heritage. Occasionally, one of the boys would
shove Alberto into the hallway lockers or spit at him in the
cafeteria. Subsequently, Alberto struggled both academically
and socially in 11th and 12th grades. He started to have sexual
and romantic thoughts about other boys. Although he was close
to his group of friends, he did not feel comfortable sharing
these feelings with anyone. He had a girlfriend through part of
his senior year; although he found her attractive, he was
confused about his romantic and sexual feelings toward her.
They spent most weekend evenings together, but they limited
their physical relationship to mostly kissing, holding hands, and
cuddling. Alberto recently graduated high school and is
planning to attend college. Although he is close with his mother
and would like to talk to her about his feelings, he has not
shared any of his confusion about his sexuality with her, as she
is very religious and he fears she would become angry and
reject him.
Case Study: Jeanette Jeanette is a 34-year-old genetically born
female. She is an only child who was raised by her father and
grandparents. When Jeanette was eight years old, her mother
died as a result of a car accident. As a young woman, Jeanette
was very successful in school, often advancing far more quickly
than her peers with normal academic milestones. She was able
to maintain very high grades despite occasional experimentation
with drugs and alcohol. Jeanette was well liked and well
regarded by both her classmates and her teachers. Jeanette
attended an elite private college on a partial scholarship; she
worked part time on campus to supplement her scholarship

4. funds. It was during college that Jeanette realized she was
attracted to both men and women. After a brief “coming out”
period, she was fairly open about her sexuality. She also
realized she was interested in a career in law and pursued her
juris doctorate immediately upon completion of her bachelor’s
degree. Now a successful criminal prosecutor, Jeanette loves
her job and has aspirations to advance in the law firm where she
works and then pursue a career in local politics. She enjoys the
demanding pace and the challenging and unpredictable nature of
prosecuting criminal defendants. In addition to her career,
Jeanette enjoys a wide range of physical activities as an outlet
for stress. She is particularly drawn to highly competitive and
risky sports, such as martial arts and large wave surfing. She
has participated in various marathons and is currently training
for an Ironman triathlon competition. She takes great pride in
her athletic ability and stamina, and she frequently visits the
gym. Jeanette has remained, for the most part, single. She has
had several relationships with both men and women; these
relationships lasted a few months. However, she finds it
difficult to maintain a relationship given the demands of her job
and sporting interests. She prefers to casually date and enjoys
an active sexual life. Recently, she has begun to experience
some challenges at work with regard to advancement and her
direct supervisor. On several occasions, he has made vague
comments about women who are not “feminine” and jokes about
how the “old boys club” at the office is disappearing. Despite
having a very successful prosecution record, Jeanette received a
very lukewarm annual performance evaluation. Her supervisor
commented specifically about his concerns regarding © 2017
Laureate Education, Inc. her leadership ability, and he
wondered aloud if she might “soften” her approach a bit.
Readings for this week;
Helgeson, V. S. (2017).
Psychology of gender

5. (5th ed.). New York, NY: Taylor and Francis.
Chapter 9, “Romantic Relationships” (pp. 377–428)
Lehmiller, J. J. (2013).
Psychology of human sexuality
. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Chapter 1, “Theoretical Perspectives on Human Sexuality” (pp.
2–26)
Chapter 6, “Sexual Orientation” (pp. 144–170)
Please incorporate readings and case studies in answer.