Differences, myths in sexuality explored

Speaking to a lively crowd Monday night, Cynthia Graham, Ph.D, director of graduate education at the Kinsey Institute, addressed issues concerning gender differences and sexual arousal. The lecture, sponsored by the Women's Student Association, was held in the Collins coffee shop last night to serve as a mass meeting for WSA.\nThe lecture delivered by Graham explored gender differences in sexual arousal and response, a topic that has received attention recently. \n"Gender difference is a hot academic topic right now," she said. "What we have found through our research is that in the past 50 years, differences between men's and women's sexual experiences have diminished. However, there are still several important differences."\nGraham said one important difference is frequency and onset of masturbation. She pointed out that while men generally begin masturbating at the onset of puberty, women often do not start until their twenties or thirties.\n"There are several women in their forties and fifties discovering masturbation," she said. "Quite happily in fact."\nGraham added that women will start masturbating at seven or eight years old, but not nearly in the numbers that men do. \n"Nearly 99 percent of males begin masturbation at puberty, compared to approximately 40 percent of females," she said.\nAnother key gender difference discussed by Graham was the difference in attitudes toward casual sex. While differences in attitudes about sexual activity other than intercourse are virtually nonexistent, with intercourse opinions vary widely.\nGraham cited a study conducted by the University of Chicago, in which women and men were both asked whether it was wrong to have sex if they weren't "in love." Over seventy-five of the women polled said that it was wrong, but only fifty-three percent of males agreed. \nGraham said she believes this difference is caused by cultural factors governing sexuality.\n"Restrictions are placed on women's sexuality," she said. "Men are seen as aggressors, and females as passive, not encouraged to explore their sexuality."\nThe third major difference in gender sexuality is female response to visual erotic stimuli. Graham said many people think women are more stimulated by romance than eroticism, but that perception is not supported by research.\n"Most erotic films are made by males for males," she said. "These tend to be the films selected, and they don't appeal to women. They often include many more close-ups of the genitalia and have less of a context for sexual activity than female directed erotica."\nThe lecture was concluded with Graham explaining the reason behind the gender differences. She said the differences have three major causes.\n"One major reason for the differences between the genders is anatomical," she said. "Women's genitals are hidden and not easy to explore, but males are external, visible and easily explored. Another factor is cultural; women are less likely to be sexually adventurous due to cultural mores. Finally, there are other factors, such as fear of pregnancy."\nFreshman Madeline Leung, vice president of WSA, was pleased with the lecture.\n"We expected Dr. Graham to relate sexuality to sexism more than she did," she said. "However, her lecture was informative, and informed everyone about the major theories of sexual differences." \nThe lecture was part of the call out process being employed by the new president of WSA, junior Megan Miller. She said WSA currently has seven core members and 300 on its mailing list. \n"There are two core members graduating at the end of the year," she said. "We are looking for people to replace them and help organize our events throughout the year."\nMiller said WSA works with Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, Campus for Choice and the Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender support services, but remains apolitical.\n"Though WSA has a lot of common membership with these other organizations we accept people of all genders, sexual orientations and political beliefs," she said.\nMiller said the main goal of WSA is to eliminate all forms of oppression, from gender discrimination to ageism, through education.\nTo learn more about the Women's Student Association e-mail wsa@indiana.edu.