One of the first scientists to study human sexuality was Havelock Ellis. From 1897 to 1910, he published a series of volumes entitled Studies in the Psychology of Sex. Identify several ways that Ellis foreshadowed contemporary views of sexuality.
What will be an ideal response?
Ans: First, Ellis viewed sexual behavior and sexual variation as a natural phenomenon amenable to scientific study. He suggested that sexual variations should be examined statistically with respect to their frequency. Second, he viewed sexual variations as rooted in normal sexual behavior, making it possible to study the range of sexual behavior using a common scientific framework. Third, he believed that women have sexual desires and interests, a view more consistent with that of the contemporary era than with his own day. Finally, he believed that homosexuality was not a disorder and was most likely present at birth—again, a view similar to the prevailing view today.
Learning Objective: 11.1 Discuss the scientific approach to human sexuality from a historical perspective.
Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Answer Location: Historical Perspectives
Difficulty Level: Medium
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