...Comparing and Contrasting Essentialist Approaches to Social Psychology with Social Constructionist Approaches to Social Psychology. A widely recognised definition of social psychology is “an effort to understand and explain how the thought, feeling, and behaviour of individuals are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others” (Allport, 1985). However, how to measure this, the research methods to be used and what constitutes useful evidence has caused much debate in the history of social psychology. This essay will compare and contrast the two epistemologies of essentialist and social constructionist approaches to social psychology and the research methods of quantitative and qualitative used in each approach. Essentialists’ view of the world is that the properties possessed by a group are universal in that group and do not depend on context. However, a member of a group may possess other characteristics that are not required to include it as a group member but, it must not have characteristics that preclude it from being a member of the group (Burr, 1995). For example, essentialists believe that personality consists of a number of traits and personality of an individual is established by the level of each of these traits. Essentialists also believe that these traits remain more or less stable over time and it is our personality that influences behaviour (Maltby, 2010). As essentialists are able to classify groups as such, they use quantitative research...
Words: 3936 - Pages: 16
...------------------------------------------------- Trendy culture “Critical Role in Adolescence Sexual Behavior Dr. Charles Belcher Adolescence Psychology MWF:2-2:50pm Ebony Ervin Group 4 Sociology of Human Sexuality September 30, 2013 Adolescence marks a developmental phase in life where young people oscillate between being children and being adults. Aristotle argued that reasoning takes form in this phase and “the most critical aspect of adolescence” is the ability to choose, and that “self-determination is the hallmark for maturity” (Santrock, 2012). During and throughout this phase young people are learning how to identify themselves with the outside world. They are challenged with the developmental tasks of understanding the physical transformation of their body, which is critical in establishing self-esteem, developing a personal value system, building meaningful relationships, and working toward independence from authority figures such as parents or guardians and most importantly, establishing their sexuality. “Human sexuality is defined as the sexual interest and behaviors that include physiological, social, cultural, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. It encompasses: sexual orientation, sexual Identity driven by both biological and social forces. (Buster 2005) Adolescents in modern day society are engaging in sexual acts and displaying sexual behavior as early as middle school. It has clearly transformed from being sacred among the individual to...
Words: 1626 - Pages: 7
...Is asexuality a lack of sexual orientation and analogous to other sexual orientations and identities? One of the most inescapable social assumptions is that all humans possess sexual desire (Cole, 1993; 192). A related assumption is that sexuality is not only something one does, but an identity or something one is (Weeks, 1986; Foucault, 1978, cited in Scherrer, 2008; 621). Most inquiries into asexuality have approached it as either behaviour (lack of sexual acts) or a lack of desire for sexual acts. However, Scherrer argues that the complexity and variability of asexuality also encompasses those who are interested in romantic attachment but with limited or no physical contact, along with others who are simply not interested in sex (Scherrer, 2008: 634), a discourse appears frequently in which self-identified asexuals participate. It is in this context where identity labels such as demisexual, hyposexual, romantic or aromantic asexual, hyporomantic, straight-A, gay-A, bi-A, grey-A, etc. take on meanings, as asexuals attempt to position themselves not only according to the genders of people to whom they experience romantic attraction, but also according to the degrees to which (and the ways in which) they do so (DeLuzio Chasin, 2011; 713). It is already clear from the language of asexuality that it positions itself as an alternative to sexual, instead of as an alternative to straight or queer, with significant variations in both ‘romantic orientation’ and the degree to...
Words: 4208 - Pages: 17
...Gender Identity Paper Brandie Thurman PSY/340 May 25, 2013 Dr. Stephanie Sencil-White There are many biological, psychological, and sociological factors involved in the formation of gender identity. Gender identity is not completely understood as it is much more complex than the joining of a sperm and an egg. For many people, the terms “gender” and “sex” are interchangeable. Biological sex and gender are different; gender is not inherently connected to one’s physical anatomy as biological sex is. When one thinks’ of the term “gender”, we are referring to the role and personalities one assumes within society, for example in American culture females tend to be perceived as more nurturing and males are aggressive and dominant. Hormones and behavior affect gender identity in significant ways each with a distinct purpose. To understand the difference of biological sex and gender, nature versus nurture, and how the environment has an effect this paper will review and explain the interactions between hormones and behaviors and how those interactions affect the determination of gender identity. Gender development starts at the point one is conceived. Gender identity is defined as an individual’s self conception of being either male or female, as distinguished from actual biological sex (Britannica, 2013). Gender differences exist in nearly every social phenomena and for most persons, gender identity and biological characteristics are the same however there are some circumstances...
Words: 1517 - Pages: 7
...Psychology 207-18851 November 15, 2011 Sexuality…a Journey The word “sexuality” has been looked upon as taboo and for centuries many of us grow up being taught how this part of our lives shouldn't be expressed openly. We all experience these feeling as humans and we share these characteristics. Some of us are taught not to express any feeling that has to do with our inner wants when it comes to this topic. Our sexuality can make us more loving or even at times some incidents can ruin our lives. Even though we are under educated in this area, it's natural and healthy because sexuality is part of emotional fulfillment and we all have different needs to feel loved. The journey of discovering my personal sexuality is ongoing and I believe it will last a lifetime. Reflection and exploration is key to understanding and becoming comfortable with not only personal sexuality but create an openness those around you. Many things including parents and home environment, religion and society have influenced my sexuality, and taking this human sexuality course has affected given me a better understanding and ability to communicate my wants and needs to my husband. A person’s attitude about sexuality is something that is directly influenced by their parents and home environment. A child’s natural curiosity about the world around them and themselves can lead parent to have to deal with such things as a child touching and rubbing their genitals. How their parents handle these situations...
Words: 1422 - Pages: 6
...and demonstrate an understanding of its relationship to adult neurotic behaviour. Having done this I will examine some of the criticisms that have been levelled at Freudian theory in order to evaluate it. In 1905 Freud published ‘Three Essays on the theory of Sexuality and other Works’, one of those essays was titled ‘Infantile Sexuality’. In this essay Freud sets out his theory of psychosexual development. He asserts that there is in all humans an innate drive or instinct for pleasure, a sort of psychic energy, which he calls the libido and this energy needs to be discharged. He then goes on to describe how this drive finds outlet at the earliest stages of life, as babies, toddlers and infants and describes the oral, anal and phallic stages and the psychological effects of fixation at these stages. It is important to note that Freud separated sexual aims and objectives. His work on sexuality and perversions led to the wider theory of sexuality whereby he differentiated the sexual aim (the desire for pleasure) and the object (the person or thing used to fulfil the desire). He asserted that sexuality is more than just genital copulation between adults and this work is the background to his theory on infantile sexuality. He emphasised particular erogenous zones as being of primary importance at different stages of infancy. Each stage impacts in three significant ways: physical focus where the child’s energy may be concentrated and their gratification obtained; psychologically through...
Words: 2244 - Pages: 9
...The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy - http://www.iep.utm.edu Philosophy of Sexuality Among the many topics explored by the philosophy of sexuality are procreation, contraception, celibacy, marriage, adultery, casual sex, flirting, prostitution, homosexuality, masturbation, seduction, rape, sexual harassment, sadomasochism, pornography, bestiality, and pedophilia. What do all these things have in common? All are related in various ways to the vast domain of human sexuality. That is, they are related, on the one hand, to the human desires and activities that involve the search for and attainment of sexual pleasure or satisfaction and, on the other hand, to the human desires and activities that involve the creation of new human beings. For it is a natural feature of human beings that certain sorts of behaviors and certain bodily organs are and can be employed either for pleasure or for reproduction, or for both. The philosophy of sexuality explores these topics both conceptually and normatively. Conceptual analysis is carried out in the philosophy of sexuality in order to clarify the fundamental notions of sexual desire and sexual activity. Conceptual analysis is also carried out in attempting to arrive at satisfactory definitions of adultery, prostitution, rape, pornography, and so forth. Conceptual analysis (for example: what are the distinctive features of a desire that make it sexual desire instead of something else? In what ways does seduction differ from nonviolent rape...
Words: 9578 - Pages: 39
...3. Explain changes that occur in sexuality for men and women. The majority of the people assume that once a person gets into a certain age, sex is not an important part of a person life that is if sex is part of that person’s life. When in reality that assumption about sex is not true. The elderly people may not be as wild as young adults when it comes to sexual practice, but they still have the desire to have sex, even though they are into their late eighties. Sex is one of the meaningful aspects of any relationship and this does not eliminate itself from the relationships of elderly people. However, both men and women do suffer some changes in their sexuality as they become older. As for the men one of the main worry’s as they become older is their capacity of reach an erection. In some men, it may take longer and contain more motivation to accomplishing an erection, and even then it may not be as strong as it was in their young years. According to Cherry "Some men are unable to achieve erection at all. This is referred to as impotence. Impotence doesn't only affect elderly men; younger men will also likely suffer this at least once in their lives” (Cherry). The women also go through some of the changes in witch is menopause during the middle adulthood. The menopause is one of the common cause for sexual changes in women as they get older. Cherry states that "following menopause, a woman's vaginal canal may be shortened and thinned and sometimes even becomes smaller all around...
Words: 377 - Pages: 2
...psychologist, and is known to be one of the greatest of all time. Freud’s psychoanalytic theory was the earliest well-defined theory of personality. He had many followers in the beginning of researching the psychoanalytic theory. The psychoanalytic theory divides the human personality into three systems: the id, ego, and the superego. His theory also referenced most psychological things to sexuality. Carl Jung a psychiatrist and Alfred Adler a physician both became interested in Freud’s psychoanalysis in the 1900’s and visited Freud in Vienna to learn more about his theory. While in Vienna for several years, the relationship between these men came to a halt because of theoretical disagreements. Jung and Carl did not believe sexuality had much to do with psychology. Jung developed the analytical psychology, which interprets feelings and behavior in terms of both an individual and racial unconscious. On the other hand, Adler developed individual psychology, which interprets behavior in terms of a desire for pouter in the social order. Although these men had differences, they studied Psychology and did what they believed in. Jung and Freud both depended on the ideas of unconscious determinants of behavior, but to Jung the unconscious was broader than Freud could see. Freud unconscious only discusses a personal unconscious, which many of these contents were unacceptable or unpleasant. Somewhere in the that personal unconscious Jung believed there is a collective unconscious,...
Words: 1166 - Pages: 5
...Theology of Sexuality Liberty University Abstract It sells in advertising, it one of the major draws in movies and TV dramas, it is characterized in almost every sense of living in today’s society; the it that is mostly third party spoken of is sex and sexuality. In the Christian faith, the issue of sex and sexuality is normally an abrupt address with little understanding but with many standards of do’s and don’ts. The Bible is not really discreet in the explanation of sex and sexuality as the spokespeople that speak on this subject. Sex is a topic that really matters in this society. It defines the young generation in their dress, it drives the middle age in their outlook, and it now has the elderly generation seeking medical advances to keep it going longer. How can there be an avoidance of such a topic. This paper seeks to explore the theology of sexuality by using support by biblical and theological hermeneutics, as well as ethical or normative stances on the major role that sex and sexuality play in both the person as an individual and in the institution of marriage. Keywords: sex, sexuality, theology, Bible Theology of Sexuality One of the most private and intimate encounters in our society is sex and the display of its affection and passion. When sex or sexuality is spoken of it is normally done within the confines of the two people that are planning to engage or a group of people who have assembled with knowledge of the content of the subject that will...
Words: 2987 - Pages: 12
...Historical Timeline on Human Sexuality Sarah Rapai Baker College of Jackson Historical Timeline on Human Sexuality 1801-1887, Gustav Fechner On October 22, 1850 Fechner had an insight that the law of the connection between the mind and the body can be found in a statement of quantitative relation between mental sensation and material stimulus. From his insight he invented psychophysics, which is a useful study of the relationship between stimulus intensity and subjective experience of the stimulus (Wozniak, 2015). 1809-1882, Charles Darwin Darwin was a naturalist whose theory of natural selection influenced the functionalist school and the field of evolutionary psychology. He worked on his theory for 20 years. After learning that another naturalist, Alfred Wallace had developed similar ideas the two announced their discovery in 1858. In 1859 Darwin published ‘On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection’ (Charles Darwin, 2015). 1842-1910, William James James was a psychologist who opened one of the fist psychology laboratories and helped develop the field of structuralism. Until 1875 there were no professors of psychology in American universities before James began teaching the subject. In 1883 he began to develop a view and practice of psychology and its clinical procedures (Marvin, 1995). 1849- 1936, Ivan Pavlov Pavlov was a psychologist whose experiments on learning led to the principle of classical conditioning. Pavlov's research on the physiology of digestion...
Words: 757 - Pages: 4
...Sexuality of the Teen and Young Adult Tomekia Brewer Strayer University Sociology 100 Professor Tasha Anderson January 28, 2012 Sexuality of the Teen and Young Adult 1 Sexuality of the Teen and Young Adult As parents and adults, it is our duty to help our teens and young adults develop into smart, sexual beings, which is very important to their future happiness. The mystery about sex is that it so interesting, such a power for good, but can be very dangerous for young people if they are on the wrong track. Sex education in schools continues to have the debates of practicing abstinence and practicing safe sex. Doctors say that what is missing is the need to focus on love and sexual intimacy which play a big role in the human life. If we look at what today's teens are doing, it is enough to make parents weep and Safe-sex educators recognize that there is a greater need for condoms. The Guttmacher Institute reported recently that more than 75 percent of teens have had sex by the time they are 19 years old. Some 25 percent of virgins over 15 have had oral sex; of those who've had intercourse, almost all have also engaged in oral sex and 11 percent in anal sex. Of kids under the age of 15, about 14 percent have had sexual intercourse, and a quarter of teenagers have had at least one sexually transmitted disease. In fact, young people account...
Words: 878 - Pages: 4
... 2007). This paper will demonstrate Counseling Plan a woman who was referred by her gynecologist for counseling because she has never experienced an orgasm. It will include assessment of the dynamics of the couple’s relationship as well as issues regarding their sexual functioning, possible sexual dysfunction within the framework of the sexual response cycle, sexual normality as well as a evidence-based counseling interventions grounded through research and treatment plan with ethical considerations. . Table of Contents Abstract 2 Case Study: Michelle and Tom 5 Assessment of Sexual Issues 6 Biological Assessment of Sexuality 6 Cultural Assessment of Sexuality 6 Religious Assessment of Sexuality 7 Psychological Assessment of Sexuality 8 Assessment of Dynamics of the Relationship 8 Family and Couples 8 Diagnostic and Multi-Axial Impressions 9 Diagnostic 9 Multi-Axial 10 Integration of Disorder 11 Sexual Response Cycle Framework 11 Sexual Normality and Sexual Response Cycle 12 Sexual Disorder and Sexual Response Cycle 13 Psychosexual Development over the Lifespan 14 Psychosocial Contributions 15 Treatment Goals 15 Individual Goals 15 Couples’ Goals 16 Counseling Interventions 17 Initial Assessment 17 Counseling...
Words: 7006 - Pages: 29
...Assessment Arnette M. Brown Psychology of Personality PSY/250 August 2, 2010 Mark Shen Introduction The psychoanalytic view holds that there are inner forces outside of your awareness that are directing your behavior. Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and Alfred Adler influenced psychology and psychiatry with their psychoanalytic theories leaving a big impact on modern psychology. As the writer I will compare and contrast the theories of these three gentlemen and decide which of these theories in which I agree and which of these theories I do not agree with. I will also describe the stages of Freud’s theory and explain characteristics of personality using these components. I will explore the uses of Freudian defense mechanisms using real-life examples. Many pioneering concepts were proposed by these men and attempts are still being made to prove their theories. These men changed the world with their theories of the human mind. Freud, Jung, and Adler believed that parenting and childhood development played a large role in the shaping of a personality and all three men believed that dreams and daydreams played an important role as well. Another similarity in each of their beliefs was the impact that the unconscious mind played in psychoanalytic analysis. Freud’s work is now the most recognized and most heavily cited in all of psychology and referenced in humanities as well. Freud put a lot of emphasis on sexuality and dreams. Dreams according...
Words: 2020 - Pages: 9
...Sigmund Freud’s influence on modern day thinking permeates into our lives every day whether or not we realize it. Although much of his work has either been refuted or revised, his ideas have influenced an enormous spectrum of psychology and how we view life through our own thoughts. While his influence is irrefutable, the opinions concerning Freud and his writings vary greatly throughout the world. Individuals may distinguish the great genius in his groundbreaking theories of psychoanalysis, or they may reject his writings arguing that he had pushed the envelope too far. Either way, it is safe to say that his theories still evoke a considerable amount of debate to this day. Out of all of Freud’s theories, however, it can be argued that his views on women and feminine psychology are the most controversial. The debate between Freud and feminists has been well documented through the writings of many authors. The Enigma of Women is one of several books that have been published that analyzes the issues between Freud and feminism. In The Enigma of Women, Sarah Kofman comments on Freud’s prediction that feminists would take to the warpath against his writings on the women arguing that Freud’s theories are “rife” with masculine prejudice (11). Other credible books, such as Samuel Slipp’s The Freudian Mystique raise important questions on Freud’s theories of feminism. Why did Freud make such grossly biased and incorrect statements about women, while in other areas he was a very perceptive...
Words: 3511 - Pages: 15
