Question

Human sexuality illustrates how a group's definitions of an act, and not the act itself, determines whether or not it is considered deviant.

a) True
b) False

Answer 1

'True'. The statement that a group's definitions of a sexual act determine its deviance is true. Societal norms and values shape what is considered normal or deviant in human sexuality, with sociologists focusing on a person's capacity for sexual feelings and culturally defined attitudes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement 'Human sexuality illustrates how a group's definitions of an act, and not the act itself, determines whether or not it is considered deviant' is true. In sociology, the concept of human sexuality is not merely about the acts themselves but about how these acts are interpreted and defined by societal norms and values. Various societies around the world have distinct perspectives on sexuality which leads to different definitions of what is considered 'normal' or 'deviant' sexual behavior. This is based on the society’s mores and values, and is evident in attitudes towards practices like premarital sex, homosexuality, and the age of sexual consent, among others.

For instance, the incest taboo is nearly universally viewed as deviant, although the specifics of which familial relations are considered unacceptable can vary greatly. Moreover, in examining sexual behavior, sociologists focus on attitudes, norms, and practices instead of biological factors. Hence, sociologists associate sexuality with a person's capacity for sexual feelings rather than categorizing it based strictly on heterosexuality or homosexuality.

Answer 2

The statement that human sexuality and the concept of deviance are determined by societal definitions rather than the acts themselves is true. Sexual norms vary across cultures, highlighting the social construction of sexuality.

So, the correct answer is a) True.

Step-by-step explanation:

Human sexuality illustrates how a group's definitions of an act, and not the act itself, determines whether or not it is considered deviant is true. Norms and values regarding sexual behavior vary greatly across different societies. What might be considered normal or acceptable in one culture can be seen as deviant in another. The definition of deviance is socially constructed and reflects a society's norms, mores, and values.

For example, attitudes towards premarital sex, sexual consent, and homosexuality can differ significantly. Likewise, almost all societies have an incest taboo, although the specific relatives considered off-limits can change from one culture to another. It's important to note that sexuality in a society is shaped by various factors including family, education, media, and especially religion, which historically has exerted a strong influence on sexual norms and attitudes.

So, the correct answer is a) True.