Sexual relationships Opinions and norms vary about whether an emotional bond of a certain intensity and durability should be a prerequisite for sex (see also below). Like other primates, Homo sapiens use sexuality for reproduction and for maintenance of social bonds. It is generally acknowledged that children are capable of feeling sexual pleasure, even if they are not yet able to engage in sexual intercourse with each other, and/or are not yet biologically able to reproduce. Yet, child sexuality has historically been severely limited in western societies; in the late 19th century, the hysteria surrounding so-called "self-abuse" (masturbation) among children reached its peak and fueled the adoption of circumcision (including female circumcision) in some cultures. Many sexual activities can be engaged in by same sex or opposite sex partners. However some, most notably vaginal sexual intercourse, can only be engaged in by partners of opposite sexes. And others, such as tribadism and frication can only be engaged in by partners of the same sex. As with other behaviors, our high intelligence and complex societies
have produced in us the most complicated sexual behaviors of any animal.
Most people experiment with a range of sexual activities during their
lives, though they tend to engage in only a few of these regularly.
Most people enjoy some sexual activities. However, most societies have
defined some sexual activities as inappropriate (wrong person, wrong
activity, wrong time, etc.) Some people enjoy many different sexual
activities, while others avoid sexual activities altogether for religious
or other reasons (see chastity, sexual abstinence, asexuality). Historically,
most societies and religions have viewed sex as appropriate only within
marriage. There is still a widespread belief that sex acts are devalued
when engaged in outside of a long-term, monogamous romantic relationship,
but extra-marital sexual activity and casual sex became increasingly
accepted in modern society during the sexual revolution.
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Human sexual behavior terminology Abortion |