Human sexuality
From Academic Kids
Human sexuality refers to the expression of sexual sensation and related emotional intimacy between human beings.
Physical aspects
Human sexuality can be influenced by hormonal changes in the development of the fetus during pregnancy. Some claim its manner of expression is largely due to genetic predisposition. Others say it is due to one's own personal experimentation in early life, and thus the establishment of preferences. A less divisive approach recognises that both factors may have a mutual role to play. Human physiology and gender makes certain forms of sexual expression possible.
Social aspects
Human sexuality can also be understood as part of the social life of humans, governed by implied rules of behavior and the status quo. Thus, it is claimed, sexuality influences social norms and society in turn influences the manner in which sexuality can be expressed. Since the invention of the mass media, such as advertising, sexuality has further molded some environments in which we live. Some see sexuallity as distilled (often into stereotypes) and then repeatedly expressed in commercialized forms.
Human sexuality is distinguished from gender identity. Gender identity includes the social environment to which one is exposed in childhood and adulthood, e.g. media may portray a little boy playing with a toy truck, and a girl a doll.
Psychiatric aspects
Human sexual choices are usually made using cultural norms. For example, some may choose to abstain from sex before marriage because their religion forbids such actions.
Those who wish to express a dissident sexuality often form sub-cultures within the main culture. In many cases, forms of sexuality may develop into a fetish or develop into a psychiatric disorder.
