💑Human Sexuality Unit 15 – Sexual Ethics and Decision Making

Key Concepts in Sexual Ethics

• Autonomy: The right of individuals to make their own decisions about their sexual behavior and relationships without coercion or interference from others
• Consent: The voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity, which must be freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, and specific
  • Consent can be withdrawn at any time during sexual activity
  • Consent cannot be given by individuals who are underage, intoxicated, unconscious, or otherwise incapable of making informed decisions
• Harm principle: The idea that individual actions should be limited only to prevent harm to others (physical, psychological, or emotional)
• Justice: The fair and equitable treatment of all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics
• Respect: The recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals and the obligation to treat others with consideration and regard
• Responsibility: The duty to consider the potential consequences of one's sexual actions on oneself, one's partners, and society as a whole
• Fidelity: The obligation to be honest and truthful in one's sexual relationships and to keep one's commitments and promises

Historical Perspectives on Sexual Morality

• Ancient Greek and Roman attitudes emphasized the importance of moderation and self-control in sexual matters, with different standards for men and women
• Judeo-Christian traditions have historically viewed sex as primarily procreative and have prohibited sexual activity outside of heterosexual marriage
  • The concept of "natural law" in Catholic theology holds that sexual acts must be open to the possibility of procreation
• Victorian era (19th century) attitudes emphasized sexual restraint, with strict gender roles and a focus on sexual purity, especially for women
• Kinsey Reports (1948 and 1953) challenged prevailing attitudes about sex by revealing the diversity of sexual practices among Americans
• Sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s challenged traditional sexual norms and emphasized sexual liberation and experimentation
• LGBT rights movements have sought to challenge discrimination and stigma based on sexual orientation and gender identity
• Feminist movements have criticized patriarchal attitudes towards sex and emphasized women's sexual autonomy and pleasure

Consent and Communication

• Affirmative consent ("yes means yes") requires clear, voluntary, and ongoing agreement to engage in sexual activity, rather than just the absence of a "no"
• Nonverbal cues (body language, facial expressions) can also communicate consent or lack of consent, but should be interpreted cautiously
• Power imbalances (due to age, status, or other factors) can complicate the ability to freely give consent
  • In some cases (such as between a teacher and student), consent may not be possible even if it appears to be freely given
• Open and honest communication about desires, boundaries, and expectations is essential for ensuring that all parties are comfortable and consenting
• Discussing sexual health status, contraception, and STI prevention is an important part of sexual communication
• Consent should be an ongoing process throughout a sexual encounter, with partners checking in with each other and respecting each other's boundaries
• Technology and social media have created new challenges for sexual communication and consent (sexting, online harassment)

Sexual Rights and Freedoms

• The right to sexual autonomy and self-determination, free from coercion, discrimination, or violence
• The right to sexual privacy and confidentiality, including the right to keep one's sexual orientation, gender identity, or sexual practices private
• The right to comprehensive, accurate, and inclusive sexual education that provides information about sexual health, pleasure, and relationships
• The right to access sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including contraception, abortion, and STI testing and treatment
  • Disparities in access to these services can exacerbate health inequities and limit individuals' sexual freedoms
• The right to form consensual sexual relationships with partners of one's choosing, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics
• The right to sexual expression and participation in sexual activities that do not harm others, even if they are considered unconventional or taboo by some
• The right to be free from sexual violence, harassment, and abuse, and to have access to support services and legal recourse if one's rights are violated

Ethical Dilemmas in Sexual Relationships

• Infidelity and non-monogamy: Is it ever ethical to engage in sexual activity outside of a committed relationship? Under what circumstances?
• Age of consent: At what age are individuals capable of giving meaningful consent to sexual activity? How should age differences between partners be considered?
• Sexual involvement with clients or subordinates: Is it ever appropriate for professionals (therapists, teachers, bosses) to engage in sexual relationships with their clients or subordinates?
• Disclosing STI status: What are the ethical obligations around disclosing one's STI status to sexual partners? Does this change depending on the STI or the type of sexual activity?
• Pornography and sex work: Is the consumption or production of pornography ethically problematic? How should the rights and well-being of sex workers be protected?
• Reproductive rights: How should conflicts between the rights of pregnant individuals and the perceived rights of fetuses be resolved? What are the ethical implications of assisted reproductive technologies?
• Sexual orientation and gender identity: How should the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals be balanced against religious or cultural beliefs that may condemn these identities?

Cultural and Religious Influences

• Different cultures and religions have varying beliefs and practices around sexual morality, which can shape individuals' sexual attitudes and behaviors
  • Some cultures may have more permissive attitudes towards premarital sex or same-sex relationships, while others may have strict prohibitions against these
• Many religions have specific teachings and doctrines related to sexual ethics, such as prohibitions on adultery, fornication, or homosexuality
  • These teachings can create conflicts for individuals whose sexual identities or practices do not align with their religious beliefs
• Cultural attitudes towards gender roles and power dynamics can also influence sexual ethics and behavior (machismo, patriarchy)
• Globalization and migration have led to greater cultural exchange and diversity, which can challenge traditional sexual norms and create new ethical dilemmas
• Cultural competence and humility are important for healthcare providers, educators, and others working in sexual health fields to provide appropriate and respectful care
• Balancing respect for cultural and religious beliefs with the promotion of sexual health and rights can be a challenging ethical issue
• Secular and humanist approaches to sexual ethics emphasize individual autonomy, consent, and the minimization of harm rather than adherence to specific cultural or religious norms

Decision-Making Models in Sexual Contexts

• Consequentialism: Evaluating the morality of sexual actions based on their outcomes or consequences, such as the promotion of pleasure, the prevention of harm, or the fulfillment of desires
• Deontology: Evaluating the morality of sexual actions based on their adherence to moral rules or duties, such as the duty to obtain consent, to be honest, or to keep promises
• Virtue ethics: Evaluating the morality of sexual actions based on the character traits or virtues they express, such as compassion, integrity, or respect
• Care ethics: Emphasizing the importance of empathy, compassion, and attentiveness to the needs and well-being of sexual partners in decision-making
• Feminist ethics: Analyzing sexual decision-making through the lens of gender equality and the elimination of oppressive power structures
  • This may involve critiquing traditional gender norms and advocating for greater sexual autonomy and pleasure for women and gender minorities
• Harm reduction: Acknowledging that some sexual risk-taking may be inevitable and focusing on minimizing potential harms rather than promoting abstinence or perfect safety
• Contextual factors: Recognizing that sexual decision-making often occurs in complex social and relational contexts, which can influence individuals' choices and perceptions of risk

Contemporary Issues and Debates

• Affirmative consent standards: Debates around the practicality and effectiveness of "yes means yes" policies on college campuses and in legal contexts
• #MeToo movement: Discussions around sexual harassment, assault, and power dynamics in the workplace and other institutional settings
• Transgender rights: Debates around the inclusion of transgender individuals in sex-segregated spaces (bathrooms, locker rooms) and the medical treatment of gender dysphoria in minors
• Pornography regulation: Concerns about the potential harms of pornography consumption, particularly for young people, and debates around censorship and free speech
• Sex education: Controversies around the content and delivery of sex education in schools, including debates around abstinence-only vs. comprehensive programs
• Reproductive technologies: Ethical questions around the use of in-vitro fertilization, surrogacy, and other assisted reproductive technologies, particularly for same-sex couples or single parents
  • Concerns about the potential exploitation of women's bodies and the commodification of reproduction
• Sexual racism: Discussions around the ways in which racial stereotypes and biases can influence sexual preferences and behaviors, and the impact this has on individuals and communities of color
• Decriminalization of sex work: Debates around the legal status of prostitution and other forms of sex work, and the impact of criminalization on the health and safety of sex workers