Question

The law dictates who is permitted to legally marry, and the media influence attitudes toward sexuality. From a sociological perspective these examples demonstrate that

a. social institutions play a large role in directing human sexuality.
b. people are unable to think for themselves when it comes to sexuality.
c. in the U.S. there is general consensus on what is appropriate sexual behavior.
d. sexual scripts in the U.S. are more conservative than in other countries.

Answer 1

Social institutions significantly influence human sexuality by creating norms that shape practices and attitudes towards it. Laws and media are examples of how society guides behavior, but personal choices are also affected by cultural and societal pressures. the correct option is a. social institutions play a large role in directing human sexuality.

Step-by-step explanation:

From a sociological perspective:

the examples provided demonstrate that social institutions play a large role in directing human sexuality. This is not to suggest that people cannot think for themselves about sexuality or that there is a consensus on sexual behavior in the U.S., nor that the U.S. has more conservative sexual scripts than other countries.

Sociologists study sexual attitudes and practices and have found that these are significantly influenced by societal norms and values. Influences such as law, media, religion, family, and education contribute to how individuals perceive and engage in sexual behavior.

Sexual norms like the incest taboo, however, are common across most societies, though the specifics can vary. Moreover, Western societies such as the U.S. seem to experience a tension between individualism in personal choices like marriage and societal expectations. It's essential to recognize that understanding sexual behavior involves looking at the cultural and societal influences that shape individual choices and practices.