Chapter 5

Lecture Notes

There are more balanced sexual attitudes and behaviors for males and females in contemporary sexual scripts. More recognition is given to female sexuality. The sexual scripts are relationship-centered rather than male-centered. Some characteristics include sexual expression is positive; sexual activities involve a mutual exchange of erotic pleasure; sexuality is equally involving and both partners are equally responsible.

Legitimate sexual activities are not limited to intercourse but include a wide variety of sexual expression, and sexual activities may be initiated by either partner. And both partners have a right to experience orgasm, whether through intercourse, oral-genital sex, or manual stimulation. Additionally, non-marital sex is now more acceptable within a relationship context, yet women are still not granted full sexual equality with males regarding non-marital sex outside the context of a relationship.