Sex in Academia
The following are three academic research papers about sexuality that may be useful tools to aid in your own understanding of sexology and culture.
On BDSM
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"Attitudes and Values"
Introduction:
This paper will discuss various aspects of bondage-discipline, dominance-submission, sadism-masochism (BDSM) (Hyde & Delamater, 2011, p. 345). It will attempt to define the practice of BDSM, define what a paraphilia is, outline the history of BDSM, explain its pathologizing as a paraphilia, and demonstrate the positive aspects of its removal as a pathology. This paper will do so by demonstrating flaws in BDSM’s diagnosis as a paraphilia and by delivering results of studies that show positive outcomes for BDSM practitioners. It will also briefly touch on why sadomasochism should also be removed as a pathology, by demonstrating the biological connection between pleasure and pain and the high percentage of people who have experienced pleasure through pain.
Oppression of Female Sexuality
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"Contemporary Culture of Female Sexuality: A Feminist Perspective"
Introduction:
Attitudes towards female sexuality have differed to male sexuality throughout history and continues to do so in contemporary times. These attitudes vary from culture to culture, however there is a common theme of female sexuality being inherently wrong, and therefore repressed, while male sexuality appears to be accepted and even celebrated. This paper will critically analyse the literature on the topic of female sexuality pertaining to both contemporary culture’s as well as contemporary feminist’s attitudes towards female sexuality, female sex workers and female BDSM practitioners. This essay will attempt to demonstrate how not only societal, but also feminist theories, attitudes and actions may be causing more harm than any intended good for sexually active females, female sex workers and female BDSM practitioners. This assignment will be using the term ‘females’ throughout the paper which is referring to cis-gender women as its focus is on cis-gender women’s experience of sexuality.
Contraception
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"History of, Attitude Towards,
and Current Approach"
Introduction:
Contraceptive methods have existed since recorded history and have radically evolved over time. Along with the methods used, attitudes towards contraception have also changed over time, influencing who has access, how the contraceptives have been used and also which methods are more prevalent in today’s society. Historically, the responsibility and risk of pregnancy of pregnancy has fallen on women. Over time this has led to the current situation where contraceptive options for women outweigh the options available to men, and attitudes towards contraception are often steered towards women taking sole responsibility. This is reflected not only within general society but also within academic research and literature. This paper will examine the history of contraceptives and attitudes towards contraception while turning a critical eye towards the current approach and the heavy focus on women taking responsibility.