Sexualities

Kylee Rhode
 * Sexualities: Integrative Perspective**

The integrative perspective for sexuality is the belief that sexuality is determined by both social and biological factors. Schwartz and Rutter are two of the main sociologists and researchers of the integrative perspective. The integrative perspective is measured by both social and biological factors. The social construction impacts sexuality, but a person may also be born with a sexual nature. Some studies done on twins have suggested genetic links to sexual orientation. Genetic influences supported by studies have shown a link to sexuality just as social impacts have as well. (Cherlin, 194)

This topic is important for parents to know so that they can understand how their children may be different. They will know and understand how to handle different situations that may occur. They will be able to embrace their child's different sexual needs. Parents can use this information to make the social construction as positive for their child with a sexual identity crisis as much as possible. As a teacher, this information is important to know because these children will be coming in contact with us in our classroom. We need to understand their struggles and treat them as we would any other student. We can help to encourage their path in finding their sexual identity and support them. They may not always be receiving the necessary support at home, so as a teacher we can provide a caring and safe environment for them. This information is also important to understand when working with families and knowing the struggles they may be dealing with.

Cherlin, Andrew. (2008). //Public and Private Families: An Introduction.// New York, NY: McGraw-Hill

Kayla Riedell
 * Sexualities: Sexual Identity**

Sexual Identity is how a person describes their own sexual behavior. This behavior comes from sexual practicies and attitudes that form as an individual grows up and adapts to different environments and also from the peers and family members they grow up with. Sexual Identity was not actually recognized by this name until the late 19th century. Before this time people were defined as homosexuals and believed to have mental problem. Homosexuality was added to the list of mental disorders in that time period. In 1973, this "medical disorder" removed from the list by the American Psychiatric Association and became known as sexual identity. (Cherlin, 186-189)

Cherlin, Andrew. (2008). //Public and Private Families: An Introduction.// New York, NY: McGraw-Hill

This topic is important for parents to understand, so instead of judging their children right away for their differences in sexuality they may be able to understand what their going through. One major thing that Parents also need to understand is that discovering ones sexual identity is not a mental disoder. As a parent they also need to realize that this was not their choice, but inorder for them for feel comfortable with their sexuality you need to let them express it in their own way. As a teacher it's very important that they also understand what the student is going through. For example: feeling different from their peers, being rejected and hassled by their peers, and also fearing discrimination when trying to be involved in school activities such as clubs, sports, starting college, and finding a job. The most important thing for a parent or teacher to do is to understand their child's sexual identity and to provide and much emotional support as possible and as I said earlier make them feel comfortable in their environment.

Cherlin, Andrew. (2008). //Public and Private Families: An Introduction.// New York, NY: McGraw-Hill //Gay, lesbian and bisexual adolescents//. (2006, January). Retrieved from http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/gay_lesbian_and_bisexual_adolescents

Sexualities: Adolescent Sexual Behavior Samantha Ruby Adolescent sexual behavior has changed over the course of time as the expectation of adolescents has changed. Historically there was a significant difference in the sexual activity of adolescent males as compared to females but as sexual activity among adolescents has increased this gap has decreased. The scare of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections has created a prevention tone in school education, which may have indirectly caused a slight decline in the amount of sexual activity that adolescents are engaging in, as well as, the safe sex practices that adolescents are more commonly using. While there has been a slight decline and adolescents are using safer sex practices the number of adolescents engaging in sexual activity is the highest it has ever been. This topic is important for parents and professionals to be aware of so that they are able to prevent unsafe sexual activity. Even though the number of adolescents engaging in sexual activities is the highest it has ever been some parents still choose to turn a blind eye. It is important for parents and professionals to help adolescents understand the consequences of sex, including pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. As a parent and educator it is important to understand adolescent sexual behavior and be able to comfortably and honestly answer any questions adolescents may have. This will create a safe environment for adolescents to grow, learn, and develop with confidence.  Cherlin, Andrew. (2008). //Public and Private Families: An Introduction.// New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.