Wikipedia

Human sexual activity

(Redirected fromSex act)
This article is about sexual practices and related social aspects. For broader aspects of sexual behaviour, seeHuman sexuality.
"Sexual behaviour" redirects here. For sexual behaviour of other animals, seeAnimal sexual behaviour.

Human sexual activity,human sexual practiceorhuman sexual behaviouris the manner in whichhumansexperience and expresstheir sexuality.People engage in a variety of sexual acts, ranging from activities done alone (e.g.,masturbation) to acts with another person (e.g.,sexual intercourse,non-penetrative sex,oral sex,etc.)[1]in varying patterns of frequency, for a wide variety of reasons. Sexual activity usually results insexual arousaland physiological changes in the aroused person, some of which are pronounced while others are more subtle. Sexual activity may also include conduct and activities which are intended to arouse the sexual interest of another or enhance thesex lifeof another, such as strategies to find or attract partners (courtshipanddisplaybehaviour), or personal interactions between individuals (for instance,foreplayorBDSM). Sexual activity may follow sexual arousal.

Human sexual activity has sociological, cognitive,emotional,behaviouraland biological aspects. It involvespersonal bonding,sharing emotions, thephysiologyof thereproductive system,sex drive,sexual intercourse, and sexual behaviour in all its forms.

In some cultures, sexual activity is considered acceptable only withinmarriage,whilepremaritalandextramarital sexaretaboo.Somesexual activities are illegaleither universally or in some countries or subnational jurisdictions, while some are considered contrary to thenormsof certain societies or cultures. Two examples that are criminal offences in mostjurisdictionsaresexual assaultand sexual activity with a person below the localage of consent.

Types

Sexual activity can be classified in a number of ways. The practices may be preceded by or consist solely offoreplay.[2]Acts involving one person (autoeroticism) may includesexual fantasyormasturbation.[2]If two people are involved, they may engage in vaginal sex,anal sex,oral sexormanual sex.[2]Penetrative sexbetween two people may be described assexual intercourse,but definitions vary. If there are more than two participants in a sex act, it may be referred to asgroup sex.Autoerotic sexual activity can involve use ofdildos,vibrators,butt plugs,and othersex toys,though these devices can also be used with a partner.

Sexual activity can be classified into thegenderandsexual orientationof the participants, as well as by the relationship of the participants. The relationships can be ones of marriage,intimate partners,casualsex partnersoranonymous.Sexual activity can be regarded asconventionalor asalternative,involving, for example,fetishismorBDSMactivities.[3][4]

Fetishism can take many forms, including the desire for certain body parts (partialism) such asbreasts,navels,orfeet.[5]The object of desire can beshoes,boots,lingerie,clothing,leatheror rubber items. Some non-conventional autoerotic practices can be dangerous. These includeautoerotic asphyxiationandself-bondage.[6]The potential for injury or even death that exists while engaging in the partnered versions of these fetishes (choking andbondage,respectively) becomes drastically increased in the autoerotic case due to the isolation and lack of assistance in the event of a problem.[6]

Sexual activity that is consensual is sexual activity in which both or all participants agree to take part and are of the age that they can consent.[7]If sexual activity takes place under force or duress, it is consideredrapeor another form ofsexual assault.In different cultures and countries, various sexual activities may be lawful or illegal in regards to the age, gender,marital statusor other factors of the participants, or otherwise contrary tosocial normsor generally acceptedsexual morals.[7]

Mating strategies

Main article:Human mating strategies
See also:Animal sexual behaviour

Inevolutionary psychologyandbehavioral ecology,human mating strategies are a set of behaviors used by individuals to attract, select, and retainmates.Mating strategies overlap withreproductivestrategies, which encompass a broader set of behaviors involving the timing of reproduction and the trade-off between quantity and quality of offspring (seelife history theory).

Relative to other animals, human mating strategies are unique in their relationship with cultural variables such as the institution ofmarriage.[8]Humans may seek out individuals with the intention of forming a long-termintimate relationship,marriage,casual relationship,orfriendship.The human desire forcompanionshipis one of the strongest human drives. It is an innate feature of human nature, and may be related to thesex drive.The human mating process encompasses the social and cultural processes whereby one person may meet another to assess suitability, thecourtshipprocess and the process of forming aninterpersonal relationship.Commonalities, however, can be found between humans and nonhuman animals in mating behavior.

Stages of physiological arousal during sexual stimulation

This IndianKama sutraillustration, which shows a woman on top of a man, depicts the male erection, which is one of the physiological responses to sexual arousal for men.

Thephysiological responsesduringsexual stimulationare fairly similar for both men and women and there are four phases.[9]

  • During the excitement phase, muscle tension and blood flow increase in and around the sexual organs, heart and respiration increase and blood pressure rises. Men and women experience a "sex flush"on the skin of the upper body and face. For women, thevaginabecomeslubricatedand theclitorisengorges.[9]For men, thepenisbecomeserect.
  • During the plateau phase, heart rate and muscle tension increase further. A man's urinary bladder closes to prevent urine from mi xing withsemen.A woman's clitoris may withdraw slightly and there is more lubrication, outer swelling and muscles tighten and reduction of diameter.[9]
  • During theorgasmphase, breathing becomes extremely rapid and the pelvic muscles begin a series of rhythmic contractions. Both men and women experience quick cycles of muscle contraction of lower pelvic muscles and women often experience uterine and vaginal contractions; this experience can be described as intensely pleasurable, but roughly 15% of women never experience orgasm, and half report havingfaked it.[9]A large genetic component is associated with how often women experience orgasm.[9]
  • During the resolution phase, muscles relax, blood pressure drops, and the body returns to its resting state. Though generally reported that women do not experience arefractory periodand thus can experience an additional orgasm, or multiple orgasms soon after the first,[10][11]some sources state that both men and women experience a refractory period because women may also experience a period after orgasm in which further sexual stimulation does not produce excitement.[9][12]This period may last from minutes to days and is typically longer for men than women.[9]

Sexual dysfunctionis the inability to react emotionally or physically to sexual stimulation in a way projected of the average healthy person; it can affect different stages in the sexual response cycles, which are desire, excitement and orgasm.[13]In the media, sexual dysfunction is often associated with men, but in actuality, it is more commonly observed in females (43 percent) than males (31 percent).[14]

Psychological aspects

Main article:Sexology

Sexual activity can lower blood pressure and overall stress levels.[15]It serves to release tension, elevate mood, and possibly create a profound sense of relaxation, especially in the postcoital period. From a biochemical perspective, sex causes the release ofoxytocinand endorphins and boosts the immune system.[15]

Motivations

"Pity sex" redirects here. For the American rock band, seePity Sex.

People engage in sexual activity for any of a multitude of possible reasons. Although the primary evolutionary purpose of sexual activity is reproduction, research on college students suggested that people have sex for four general reasons:physical attraction,as ameans to an end,to increaseemotional connection,and toalleviate insecurity.[16][17]

Most people engage in sexual activity because of pleasure they derive from thearousal of their sexuality,especially if they can achieveorgasm.Sexual arousal can also be experienced fromforeplayand flirting, and fromfetishor BDSM activities,[18]or othererotic activities.Most commonly, people engage in sexual activity because of thesexual desiregenerated by a person to whom they feelsexual attraction;but they may engage in sexual activity for the physical satisfaction they achieve in the absence of attraction for another, as in the case ofcasual or social sex.[19]At times, a person may engage in a sexual activity solely for the sexual pleasure of their partner, such as because of an obligation they may have to the partner or because of love, sympathy orpitythey may feel for the partner.

A person may engage in sexual activity for purely monetary considerations, or to obtain some advantage from either the partner or the activity. A man and woman may engage in sexual intercourse with the objective ofconception.Some people engage in hate sex which occurs between two people who strongly dislike or annoy each other. It is related to the idea that opposition between two people can heightensexual tension,attraction and interest.[20]

Self-determination theory

Research has found that people also engage in sexual activity for reasons associated withself-determination theory.The self-determination theory can be applied to a sexual relationship when the participants have positive feelings associated with the relationship. These participants do not feel guilty or coerced into the partnership.[21]Researchers have proposed the model of self-determined sexual motivation. The purpose of this model is to connect self-determination and sexual motivation.[22]This model has helped to explain how people are sexually motivated when involved in self-determined dating relationships. This model also links the positive outcomes, (satisfying the need for autonomy, competence, and relatedness) gained from sexual motivations.[22]

According to the completed research associated with this model, it was found that people of both sexes who engaged in sexual activity for self-determined motivation had more positive psychological well-being.[22]While engaging in sexual activity for self-determined reasons, the participants also had a higher need for fulfillment. When this need was satisfied, they felt better about themselves. This was correlated with greater closeness to their partner and higher overall satisfaction in their relationship.[22]Though both sexes engaged in sexual activity for self-determined reasons, there were some differences found between males and females. It was concluded that females had more motivation than males to engage in sexual activity for self-determined reasons.[22]Females also had higher satisfaction and relationship quality than males did from the sexual activity.[22]Overall, research concluded that psychological well-being, sexual motivation, and sexual satisfaction were all positively correlated when dating couples partook in sexual activity for self-determined reasons.[22]

Frequency

See also:Sexually active life expectancy

The frequency of sexual activity might range from zero to 15 or 20 times a week.[23]Frequency of intercourse tends to decline with age.[24]Some post-menopausalwomen experience decline in frequency of sexual intercourse, while others do not.[25]According to theKinsey Institute,the average frequency of sexual intercourse in the US for individuals with partners is 112 times per year (age 18–29), 86 times per year (age 30–39), and 69 times per year (age 40–49).[26]The rate of sexual activity has been declining in the 21st century, a phenomenon that has been described as asex recession.

Adolescents

Further information:Adolescent sexuality

The age at which adolescents become sexually active varies considerably between different cultures and times. (SeePrevalence of virginity.) The first sexual act of a child or adolescent is sometimes referred to as thesexualizationof the child, and may be considered a milestone or a change of status, as the loss ofvirginityor innocence. Youth are legally free to have intercourse after they reach theage of consent.

A 1999 survey of students indicated that approximately 40% of ninth graders across the United States report having had sexual intercourse. This figure rises with each grade. Males are more sexually active than females at each of the grade levels surveyed. Sexual activity of young adolescents differs in ethnicity as well. A higher percentage of African American and Hispanic adolescents are more sexually active than white adolescents.[27]

Research on sexual frequency has also been conducted solely on female adolescents who engage in sexual activity. Female adolescents tended to engage in more sexual activity due to positive mood. In female teenagers, engaging in sexual activity was directly positively correlated with being older, greater sexual activity in the previous week or prior day, and more positive mood the previous day or the same day as the sexual activity occurred.[28]Decreased sexual activity was associated with prior or same day negative mood or menstruation.[28]

Although opinions differ, researchers suggest that sexual activity is an essential part of humans, and that teenagers need to experience sex. According to a study, sexual experiences help teenagers understand pleasure and satisfaction.[29]In relation to hedonic and eudaimonic well-being, it stated that teenagers can positively benefit from sexual activity. The cross-sectional study was conducted in 2008 and 2009 at a rural upstate New York community. Teenagers who had their first sexual experience at age 16 revealed a higher well-being than those who were sexually inexperienced or who became sexually active at age 17.[29]Furthermore, teenagers who had their first sexual experience at age 15 or younger, or who had many sexual partners were not negatively affected and did not have associated lower well-being.[29]

Health and safety

Sexual activity is an innately physiological function,[30]but like other physical activity, it comes with risks. There are four main types of risks that may arise from sexual activity:unwanted pregnancy,contracting asexually transmitted infection(STI), physical injury, and psychological injury.

Unwanted pregnancy

Main article:Unintended pregnancy

Any sexual activity that involves the introduction of semen into a woman's vagina, such as during sexual intercourse, or contact of semen with her vulva, may result in a pregnancy. To reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies, some people who engage in penile-vaginal sex may usecontraception,such asbirth control pills,acondom,diaphragms,spermicides,hormonal contraceptionor sterilization.[31]The effectiveness of the various contraceptive methods in avoiding pregnancy varies considerably, and depends on the method rather than the user.[32]

Sexually transmitted infections

Main article:Sexually transmitted infection
A rolled-up malecondom

Sexual activity that involves skin-to-skin contact, exposure to an infected person'sbodily fluidsormucous membranes[33]carries the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection. People may not be able to detect that theirsexual partnerhas one or more STIs, for example if they are asymptomatic (show no symptoms).[34][35]The risk of STIs can be reduced bysafe sexpractices, such as using condoms. Both partners may opt to be tested for STIs before engaging in sex.[36]The exchange of body fluids is not necessary to contract an infestation of crab lice. Crab lice typically are found attached to hair in the pubic area but sometimes are found on coarse hair elsewhere on the body (for example, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, mustache, chest, armpits, etc.). Pubic lice infestations (pthiriasis) are spread through direct contact with someone who is infested with the louse.[37][38][39]

Some STIs likeHIV/AIDScan also be contracted by usingIV drugneedlesafter their use by an infected person, as well as through childbirth orbreastfeeding.[40]

Aging

See also:Sexuality in older age

Factors such as biological and psychological factors, diseases, mental conditions, boredom with the relationship, and widowhood have been found to contribute to a decrease in sexual interest and activity in old age, but older age does not eliminate the ability to enjoy sexual activity.[41]

Orientations and society

Main article:Sexual orientation

Heterosexuality

Main article:Heterosexuality
Sexual intercourse in themissionary position

Heterosexuality is the romantic or sexual attraction to the opposite sex. Heterosexual practices are institutionally privileged in most countries.[42]In some countries, mostly those where religion has a strong influence onsocial policy,marriage laws serve the purpose of encouraging people to have sex only within marriage.Sodomy lawshave been used to discourage same-sex sexual practices, but they may also affect opposite-sex sexual practices. Laws also ban adults from committingsexual abuse,committing sexual acts with anyone under anage of consent,performing sexual activities in public, and engaging in sexual activities for money (prostitution). Though these laws cover both same-sex and opposite-sex sexual activities, they may differ in regard to punishment, and may be more frequently (or exclusively) enforced on those who engage in same-sex sexual activities.[43]

Different-sex sexual practices may bemonogamous,serially monogamous, orpolyamorous,and, depending on the definition of sexual practice,abstinentorautoerotic(includingmasturbation). Additionally, different religious and political movements have tried to influence or control changes in sexual practices including courting and marriage, though in most countries changes occur at a slow rate.

Homosexuality

Main article:Homosexuality
See also:Sexual practices between menandSexual practices between women
An Ottoman miniature from the bookSawaqub al-Manaquibdepicting homosexuality

Homosexuality is the romantic or sexual attraction to the same sex. People with a homosexual orientation can express their sexuality in a variety of ways, and may or may not express it in their behaviors.[44]Research indicates that many gay men and lesbians want, and succeed in having, committed and durable relationships. For example, survey data indicate that between 40% and 60% of gay men and between 45% and 80% of lesbians are currently involved in a romantic relationship.[45]

It is possible for a person whose sexual identity is mainly heterosexual to engage in sexual acts with people of the same sex. Gay and lesbian people who pretend to be heterosexual are often referred to as beingcloseted(hiding their sexuality in "the closet" ). "Closet case" is a derogatory term used to refer to people who hide their sexuality. Making that orientation public can be called "coming out of the closet"in the case of voluntary disclosure or"outing"in the case of disclosure by others against the subject's wishes (or without their knowledge). Among some communities (called" men on the DL "or"down-low"), same-sex sexual behavior is sometimes viewed as solely for physical pleasure.Men who have sex with men,as well aswomen who have sex with women,or men on the "down-low" may engage in sex acts with members of the same sex while continuing sexual and romantic relationships with the opposite sex.

A 1925Gerda Wegenerpainting, "Les delassements d'Eros" ( "The recreations of Eros" ), of two women engaged in sexual activity in bed

People who engage exclusively in same-sex sexual practices may not identify themselves as gay or lesbian. In sex-segregated environments, individuals may seek relationships with others of their own gender (known assituational homosexuality). In other cases, some people may experiment or explore their sexuality with same (or different) sex sexual activity before defining theirsexual identity.Despite stereotypes and common misconceptions, there are no forms of sexual acts exclusive to same-sex sexual behavior that cannot also be found in opposite-sex sexual behavior, except those involving the meeting of the genitalia between same-sex partners –tribadism(generallyvulva-to-vulva rubbing) andfrot(generallypenis-to-penis rubbing).

Bisexuality and pansexuality

Main articles:BisexualityandPansexuality

People who have a romantic or sexual attraction to both sexes are referred to as bisexual.[46][47]People who have a distinct but not exclusive preference for one sex/gender over the other may also identify themselves as bisexual.[48]Like gay and lesbian individuals, bisexual people who pretend to be heterosexual are often referred to as beingcloseted.

Pansexuality (also referred to as omnisexuality)[49]may or may not be subsumed under bisexuality, with some sources stating that bisexuality encompasses sexual or romantic attraction to allgender identities.[50][51]Pansexuality is characterized by the potential foraestheticattraction,romantic love,or sexual desire towards people without regard for their gender identity orbiological sex.[52]Some pansexuals suggest that they aregender-blind;that gender and sex are insignificant or irrelevant in determining whether they will be sexually attracted to others.[53]As defined in theOxford English Dictionary,pansexuality "encompasses all kinds of sexuality; not limited or inhibited in sexual choice with regards to gender or practice".[54]

Avoidance of inbreeding

Although the main adaptive function of human sexual activity is reproduction, human sexual activity also includes the adaptive constraint of avoiding closeinbreeding,since inbreeding can have deleterious effects on progeny. Charles Darwin, who was married to his first cousin Emma Wedgwood, considered that the ill health that plagued his family was a consequence of inbreeding.[55]In general, inbreeding between individuals who are closely genetically related leads to the expression of deleterious recessivemutations.The avoidance of inbreeding as a constraint on human sexual activity is apparent in the near universal cultural inhibitions in human societies of sexual activity between closely related individuals.[56]Humanoutcrossingsexual activity provides the adaptive benefit of the masking of expression of deleterious recessive mutations.[57]

Other social aspects

General attitudes

Alex Comfortand others propose three potential social aspects of sexual intercourse in humans, which are not mutually exclusive: reproductive, relational, and recreational.[58]The development ofthe contraceptive pilland other highly effective forms ofcontraceptionin the mid- and late 20th century has increased people's ability to segregate these three functions, which still overlap a great deal and in complex patterns. For example: A fertile couple may have intercourse while using contraception to experience sexual pleasure (recreational) and also as a means of emotional intimacy (relational), thus deepening their bonding, making their relationship more stable and more capable of sustaining children in the future (deferred reproductive). This same couple may emphasize different aspects of intercourse on different occasions, being playful during one episode of intercourse (recreational), experiencing deep emotional connection on another occasion (relational), and later, after discontinuing contraception, seeking to achieve pregnancy (reproductive, or more likely reproductive and relational).[citation needed]

Religious and ethical

Main articles:Sexual morality,Religion and sexuality,andNorm (sociology)
Khajuraho Hindu and Jain temple complexis famous for erotic arts.

Human sexual activity is generally influenced by social rules that are culturally specific and vary widely.[59]

Sexual ethics, morals, and norms relate to issues including deception/honesty, legality,fidelityand consent. Some activities, known assex crimesin some locations, are illegal in some jurisdictions, including those conducted between (or among) consenting and competent adults (examples includesodomy lawand adult-adultincest).

Some people who are in a relationship but want to hide polygamous activity (possibly of opposite sexual orientation) from their partner, may solicit consensual sexual activity with others through personal contacts,online chat rooms,or, advertising in select media.

Swinginginvolves singles or partners in acommitted relationshipengaging in sexual activities with others as arecreationalor social activity.[60]The increasing popularity of swinging is regarded by some as arising from the upsurge in sexual activity during thesexual revolutionof the 1960s.

Some people engage in various sexual activities as a business transaction. When this involves having sex with, or performing certain actual sexual acts for another person in exchange for money or something of value, it is called prostitution. Other aspects of theadult industryincludephone sexoperators,strip clubs,and pornography.

Gender roles and the expression of sexuality

Main articles:Sexual identity,Gender identity,andGender roles

Socialgender rolescan influence sexual behavior as well as the reaction of individuals and communities to certain incidents; theWorld Health Organizationstates that, "Sexual violence is also more likely to occur where beliefs in male sexual entitlement are strong, where gender roles are more rigid, and in countries experiencing high rates of other types of violence."[61]Some societies, such as those where the concepts offamily honorand femalechastityare very strong, may practice violent control of female sexuality, through practices such ashonor killingsandfemale genital mutilation.[62][63]

The relation betweengender equalityand sexual expression is recognized, and promotion of equity between men and women is crucial for attainingsexualandreproductive health,as stated by the UNInternational Conference on Population and DevelopmentProgram of Action:[64]

"Human sexuality and gender relations are closely interrelated and together affect the ability of men and women to achieve and maintain sexual health and manage their reproductive lives. Equal relationships between men and women in matters of sexual relations and reproduction, including full respect for the physical integrity of the human body, require mutual respect and willingness to accept responsibility for the consequences of sexual behaviour. Responsible sexual behaviour, sensitivity and equity in gender relations, particularly when instilled during the formative years, enhance and promote respectful and harmonious partnerships between men and women."

BDSM

Main article:BDSM
A man handcuffed to a bed and blindfolded

BDSM is a variety oferoticpractices orroleplayinginvolvingbondage,dominance and submission,sadomasochism,and other interpersonal dynamics.[60]Given the wide range of practices, some of which may be engaged in by people who do not consider themselves as practicing BDSM, inclusion in the BDSM community or subculture usually being dependent onself-identificationand shared experience.[65]BDSM communities generally welcome anyone with a non-normative streak who identifies with the community; this may includecross-dressers,extremebody modificationenthusiasts,animal players,latex orrubber aficionados,and others.

B/D (bondage and discipline) is a part of BDSM. Bondage includes the restraint of the body or mind.[66]D/s means "Dominant and submissive". A Dominant is one who takes control of a person who wishes to surrender control and a submissive is one who surrenders control to a person who wishes to take control.[66]S/M (sadism and masochism) is the other part of BDSM. A sadist is an individual who takes pleasure in the pain or humiliation of others and a masochist is an individual who takes pleasure from their own pain or humiliation.[66]

Unlike the usual "power neutral" relationships and play styles commonly followed by couples, activities and relationships within a BDSM context are often characterized by the participants' taking on complementary, but unequal roles; thus, the idea ofinformed consentof both the partners becomes essential. Participants who exert dominance (sexual or otherwise) over their partners are known as Dominants orTops,while participants who take the passive, receiving, or obedient role are known as submissives orbottoms.

These terms are sometimes shortened so that a dominant person may be referred to as a "Dom" (a woman may choose to use the feminine "Domme" ) and a submissive may be referred to as a "sub". Individuals who can change between Top/Dominant and bottom/submissive roles – whether from relationship to relationship or within a given relationship – are known asswitches.The precise definition of roles and self-identification is a common subject of debate within the community.[67] In a 2013 study, researchers stated that BDSM is a sexual act where participants play role games, use restraint, use power exchange, use suppression and pain is sometimes involved depending on individual(s).[68]The study serves to challenge the widespread notion that BDSM could be in some way linked topsychopathology.According to the findings, one who participates in BDSM may have greater strength socially and mentally as well as greater independence than those who do not practice BDSM.[68]It suggests that people who participate in BDSM play have higher subjective well-being, and that this might be due to the fact that BDSM play requires extensive communication. Before any act occurs, the partners must discuss their agreement of their relationship. They discuss how long the play will last, the intensity, their actions, what each participant needs or desires, and what, if any, sexual activities may be included. All acts must be consensual and pleasurable to both parties.[68]

In a 2015 study, interviewed BDSM participants have mentioned that the activities have helped to create higher levels of connection, intimacy, trust and communication between partners.[66]The study suggests that Dominants and submissives exchange control for each other's pleasure and to satisfy a need. The participants have remarked that they enjoy pleasing their partner in any way they can and many surveyed have felt that this is one of the best things about BDSM. It gives a submissive pleasure to do things in general for their Dominant while a Dominant enjoys making their encounters all about their submissive and enjoy doing things that makes their submissive happy. The findings indicate that the surveyed submissives and Dominants found BDSM makes play more pleasurable and fun. The participants have also mentioned improvements in their personal growth, romantic relationships, sense of community and self, the dominant's confidence, and their coping with everyday things by giving them a psychological release.[66]

Main article:Sex and the law

There are many laws and social customs which prohibit, or in some way affect sexual activities. These laws and customs vary from country to country, and have varied over time. They cover, for example, a prohibition to non-consensual sex, to sex outside marriage, to sexual activity in public, besides many others. Many of these restrictions are non-controversial, but some have been the subject of public debate.

Most societies consider it a serious crime to force someone to engage in sexual acts or to engage in sexual activity with someone who does not consent. This is calledsexual assault,and if sexual penetration occurs it is called rape, the most serious kind of sexual assault. The details of this distinction may vary among different legal jurisdictions. Also, what constitutes effective consent in sexual matters varies from culture to culture and is frequently debated. Laws regulating the minimum age at which a person can consent to have sex (age of consent) are frequently the subject of debate, as isadolescent sexual behaviorin general. Some societies have forced marriage, where consent may not be required.

Same-sex laws

Main article:LGBT rights by country or territory

Many locales have laws that limit or prohibitsame-sex sexual activity.

Sex outside marriage

In the West,sex before marriageis not illegal. There are social taboos and many religions condemn pre-marital sex. In many Muslim countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan,[69]Afghanistan,[70][71][72]Iran,[72]Kuwait,[73]Maldives,[74]Morocco,[75]Oman,[76]Mauritania,[77]United Arab Emirates,[78][79]Sudan,[80]and Yemen,[81]any form of sexual activity outside marriage is illegal. Those found guilty, especially women, may be forced to wed the sexual partner, may be publicly beaten, or may be stoned to death.[82]In many African and native tribes, sexual activity is not viewed as a privilege or right of a married couple, but rather as the unification of bodies and is thus not frowned upon.[83]

Other studies have analyzed the changing attitudes about sex that American adolescents have outside marriage. Adolescents were asked how they felt about oral and vaginal sex in relation to their health, social, and emotional well-being. Overall, teenagers felt that oral sex was viewed as more socially positive amongst their demographic.[84]Results stated that teenagers believed that oral sex for dating and non-dating adolescents was less threatening to their overall values and beliefs than vaginal sex was.[84]When asked, teenagers who participated in the research viewed oral sex as more acceptable to their peers, and their personal values than vaginal sex.[84]

Minimum age of sexual activity (age of consent)

Main article:Age of consent

The laws of each jurisdiction set the minimum age at which a young person is allowed to engage in sexual activity.[85]Thisage of consentis typically between 14 and 18 years, but laws vary. In many jurisdictions, age of consent is a person's mental or functional age.[86][87][88]As a result, those above the set age of consent may still be considered unable to legally consent due to mental immaturity.[86][87][88][89][90]Many jurisdictions regard any sexual activity by an adult involving a child aschild sexual abuse.

Age of consent may vary by the type of sexual act, the sex of the actors, or other restrictions such as abuse of aposition of trust.Some jurisdictions also make allowances for young people engaged in sexual acts with each other.[91]

Incestuous relationships

Main article:Legality of incest

Most jurisdictions prohibit sexual activity between certain close relatives. These laws vary to some extent; such acts are calledincestuous.

Incest laws may involve restrictions onmarriagerights, which also vary between jurisdictions. When incest involves an adult and a child, it is considered to be a form ofchild sexual abuse.[92][93]

Sexual abuse

Main articles:Sexual abuse,Rape,andSexual assault

Non-consensual sexual activity or subjecting an unwilling person to witnessing a sexual activity are forms ofsexual abuse,as well as (in many countries) certain non-consensual paraphilias such asfrotteurism,telephone scatophilia(indecent phonecalls), and non-consensualexhibitionismandvoyeurism(known as "indecent exposure"and"peeping tom"respectively).[94]

Prostitution and survival sex

Main article:Prostitution

People sometimes exchange sex for money or access to other resources. Work takes place under many varied circumstances. The person who receives payment for sexual services is known as a prostitute and the person who receives such services is referred to by a multitude of terms, such as being aclient.Prostitution is one of the branches of thesex industry.Thelegal status of prostitutionvaries fromcountry to country,from being a punishable crime to a regulated profession. Estimates place the annual revenue generated from the global prostitution industry to be over $100 billion.[95]Prostitution is sometimes referred to as "the world's oldest profession".[96]Prostitution may be a voluntary individual activity or facilitated orforcedbypimps.

Survival sexis a form of prostitution engaged in by people in need, usually whenhomelessor otherwise disadvantaged people trade sex for food, a place to sleep, or otherbasic needs,or fordrugs.[97]The term is used bysex tradeand poverty researchers andaid workers.[98][99]

See also

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