145sur.html

Anthro 145

Class Survey on Attitudes about Sex

Results of Survey on Attitudes about Sex, Fall 2002

There were 11 females (F) and 6 males (M) responding on Sept. 3. Please note that the results have no statistical validity due both to the small sample and the nature of the questions asked, but are provided as a basis for discussion on similarities and differences in the responses according to the sex of the respondent. I provide the raw numbers as well as the percentages only by sex.

Professor's Comments:

• Given the lack of statistical validity, do you still notice any major differences between male and female responses to the various questions? [eg, look at the responses to #2,#4, #9, #19]

• Which of the responses surprise you?

• How do you think these responses would compare to those made in your parent's generation?

• Which of the questions do you think are poorly designed or easily result in confusing results?

• What questions do you think should be included here?

• Do you think these responses are representative of Hofstra students in general?

• Do you think these responses would be representative of a national set of responses?

1. Who generally want sex more?

Men 4F (36%) 1M (17%)

Women

Both about the same 7F (63%) 5M (83%)

2. Who generally get more satisfaction out of sexual foreplay?

Men 2F (18%)

Women 4F (36%) 4M (68%)

Both about the same 5F (45%) 2M (34%)

3. Which response is closest to your personal view of masturbation?

Always wrong

Alright only as part of foreplay before sex with partner

Private act that is nobody else's business 11F (100%) 4M (68%)

OK, even if done in front of a friend 2M (34%)

4. Which response is closest to your personal view of oral sex?

Always wrong

Alright only if part of foreplay before sex with partner 3F (27%) 1M (17%)

Private act for an individual and nobody else's business 1F (9%) 4M (68%)

OK, whether heterosexual or homosexual 7F (63%) 1M (17%)

5. Do you consider "oral sex" the same as "having sex" with someone?

Yes 4F (36%) 1M (17%)

No 7F (63%) 5M (83%)

6. Which response is closest to your personal view of prostitution (paying for sex as service)?

Always wrong 7F (63%) 5M (83%)

Alright if a person is not married or without a steady partner 3F (27%) 1M (17%)

Alright if your spouse or partner never knows about it

OK, whether heterosexual or homosexual

No Response 1F (9%)

7. Which response is closest to your view of multiple consenting sex partners (orgy)?

Always wrong 3F (36%)

Alright if everyone is open-minded and no one is intentionally hurt 6F (54%) 5M (83%)

Alright if you can get away with it 1F (9%)

OK, whether heterosexual or homosexual 1F (9%)

No Response 1M (17%)

8. Do you ever fantasize in your mind about having sex with another person?

Always wrong

Alright if your partner does not know

Alright if the person fantasized never knows 2F (18%) 1M (17%)

OK, whether heterosexual or homosexual 8F (72%) 5M (83%)

No Response 1F (9%)

9. Are you likely to fantasize about having sex with someone else in this class?

Yes 2F (18%) 3M (50%)

No 9F (82%) 1M (17%)

I choose not to answer this question. 2M (34%)

10. Do you think it is wrong to watch a porno film or look at pictures of people having sex?

Always wrong 2F (18%)

Alright, if it is artistic and not overtly pornographic or sadistic 3F (27%)

Alright if done discreetly or in private 2F (18%) 3M (50%)

OK, even if pornographic or sadistic 4F (36%) 3M (50%)

11. Do you plan to follow the sexual morality of your parents?

Yes 3F (27%) 3M (50%)

No 8F (72%) 3M (50%)

12. Would you want your children to follow your view of sexual morality?

Yes 8F (72%) 5M (83%)

No 3F (27%) 1M (17%)

13. If you get married (or if you are already married), what do you think will be the result?

Stay with the same person until death , even if the love fades 1M (17%)

I will only get married if it is the kind of love that lasts forever 9F (82%) 5M (83%)

I may have to marry several times to find my true love 1F (9%)

I will probably get divorced and hit the singles scene 1F (9%)

14. At what age did you have your first sexual experience?

14 2M (34%)

15 4F (36%) 1M (17%)

16 2F (18%) 2M (34%)

17 2F (18%)

18 1F (9%) 1M (17%)

19 1F (9%)

No Response 1F (9%)

15. At what age would you want your children to have their first sexual experience?

male child: female child:

14 2M (34%)

15 2F (18%) 1M (17%) 15 2F (18%)

16 3F (27%) 2M (34%) 16 1F (9%) 1M (17%)

17 1F (9%) 17 1F (9%) 1M (17%)

18 3F (27%) 18 4F (36%) 1M (17%)

20 1 F (9%) 1M (13%) 20 1F (9%) 1M (17%)

33 1M (17%)

when married 1M (17%) when married 1M (17%)

much later than 16 1F (9%)

16. Which of the following statements do you personally agree with? (Circle all that apply)

It is alright to use a sex manual or watch a video in order to learn sexual techniques that will enhance sexual pleasure with your partner. 9F (82%) 3M (50%)

It is alright to have casual sex with different people, but only one relationship at a time. 4F (36%) 3M (50%)

It is alright to go to a bar or party with the explicit purpose of looking for someone to have casual sex with. 2F (18%) 1M (17%)

It is alright to watch a strip-tease act or go to a topless bar just to get turned on. 9F (82%) 2M (34%)

17. Do you think the movies/tv you watch and music you listen to help define your sexual interests?

Yes 7F (63%) 3M (50%)

No 5F (45%) 3M (50%)

18. Do you think Americans are more prudish about sex than Europeans?

Yes 6F (54%) 5M (83%)

No 4F (36%) 1M (17%)

No Response 1 F (9%)

19. Have you personally ever been "sexually harassed"?

Yes 5F (45%)

No 5F (45%) 6M (100%)

Not Sure 1F (9%)

19. What in your view defines "sexual harassment" (SH)? How does sexual harrassment differ from sexual abuse (SA) (e.g., rape, violence)?

Female responses: [typed as is without corrections]

"any comment or geture made by another that is found to be offensive towards someone else" "When someone taunts sexually and makes sexual comments. Sexual abuse is physical, sexual harassment is emotional." "Sexual harrassment is an act (physical or verbal) that is sexual in nature and makes another party feel uncomfortable or degraded." "harrassment is unwanted sexual remarks that 'cross the line' with someone. abuse is the actual act" "When a person insists on expressing their sexual attraction to you even though you let them know you are uncomfortable" "only in degree. Sexual abuse is the ultimate form of sexual harassment" "Coming onto a person strongly when you know they are uncomfortable with it. Sexual abuse involves sexual acts or strength against someone else" "Harassment - those who think it's funny, Abuse - violence" "sexual harassment is verbal -- or mostly verbal" "any unwelcome sexual attention is harassment. abuse is violent"

Male responses: "bothering some one is a manner that is sexual. It's like the difference between a fist fight and a gun fight. Abuse is more intense and usually not sexually motivated" "Taunting, Belittling, It differs b/c harassment is more of a mind game. Abuse is a mind game along with physical contact." "Intentful & malicious harm physically or psychologically in a sexual nature"

September A145 2000 Survey Results
There were 8 females (F) and 8 males (M) responding on Sept. 5. Please note that the results have no statistical validity due both to the small sample and the nature of the questions asked, but are provided as a basis for discussion on similarities and differences in the responses according to the sex of the respondent. I provide the raw numbers as well as the percentages only by sex.
Professor's Comments:

Given the lack of statistical validity, do you still notice any major differences between male and female responses to the various questions? [for example, look at the responses to #1 and #9]
Which of the responses surprise you?
How do you think these responses would compare to those made in your parent's generation?
Which of the questions do you think are poorly designed or easily result in confusing results?
What questions do you think should be included here?
Do you think these responses are representative of Hofstra students in general?
Do you think these responses would be representative of a national set of responses?

1. Who generally want sex more?: Men 1F (13%) 5M (62%); Women; Both about the same 7F (88%) 3M (38%)
2. Who generally get more satisfaction out of sexual foreplay?: Men 1M (13%); Women 6F (75%) 4M (50%); Both about the same 2F (25%) 3M (38%)
3. Which response is closest to your personal view of masturbation?: Always wrong; Alright only as part of foreplay before sex with partner 1M (13%); Private act that is nobody else's business 8F (100%) 6M (75%); OK, even if done in front of a friend 1M (13%)
4. Which response is closest to your personal view of oral sex?: Always wrong; Alright only if part of foreplay before sex with partner 2F (25%) 2M (25%); Private act for an individual and nobody else's business 3F (38%) 2M (25%); OK, whether heterosexual or homosexual 3F (38%) 4M (50%)
5. Do you consider "oral sex" the same as "having sex" with someone?: Yes 2F (25%) 4M (50%); No 6F (75%) 4M (50%)
6. Which response is closest to your personal view of prostitution (paying for sex as service)?: Always wrong 7F (88%) 4M (50%); Alright if a person is not married or without a steady partner 1F (13%) 3M (38%); Alright if your spouse or partner never knows about it; OK, whether heterosexual or homosexual 1M (13%)
7. Which response is closest to your view of multiple consenting sex partners (orgy)?: Always wrong 3F (38%); Alright if everyone is open-minded and no one is intentionally hurt 5F (62%) 7M (88%); Alright if you can get away with it; OK, whether heterosexual or homosexual 1M (13%)
8. Do you ever fantasize in your mind about having sex with another person?: Always wrong; Alright if your partner does not know 2M (25%); Alright if the person fantasized never knows 4F (50%) 1M (13%); OK, whether heterosexual or homosexual 4F (50%) 5M (50%)
9. Are you likely to fantasize about having sex with someone else in this class?: Yes 1F (13%) 4M (50%); No 6F (75%) 2M (25%); I choose not to answer this question. 1F (13%) 2M (25%)
10. Do you think it is wrong to watch a porno film or look at pictures of people having sex?: Always wrong; Alright, if it is artistic and not overtly pornographic or sadistic 2F (25%) 2M (25%); Alright if done discreetly or in private 4F (50%) 4M (50%); OK, even if pornographic or sadistic 2F (25%) 2M (25%)
11. Do you plan to follow the sexual morality of your parents?: Yes 1F (13%) 4M (50%); No 7F (88%) 4M (50%)
12. Would you want your children to follow your view of sexual morality?: Yes 5F (62%) 6M (75%); No 3F (38%) 2M (25%)
13. If you get married (or if you are already married), what do you think will be the result?: Stay with the same person until death , even if the love fades 1M (13%); I will only get married if it is the kind of love that lasts forever 8F (100%) 6M (75%); I may have to marry several times to find my true love 1M (13%); I will probably get divorced and hit the singles scene
14. At what age did you have your first sexual experience?: Not yet 1F (13%) 1M (13%); 14 1M (13%); 15 1F (13%); 16 1F (13%) 3M (38%); 17 1F (13%) 3M (38%); 18 3F (38%); NR 1F (13%)
15. At what age would you want your children to have their first sexual experience?
male child:

14 1M (13%)

16 1M (13%)

17 3F (38%) 2M (25%)

18 3F (38%) 3M (38%)

20 1M (13%)

when ready 1F (13%)

NR 1F (13%)

female child:

16 1M (13%)

17 1F (13%) 1M (13%)

18 3F (38%) 4M (50%)

20 1F (13%)

21 1F (13%) 2M (25%)

when ready 1F (13%)

NR 1F (13%)
16. Which of the following statements do you personally agree with? (Circle all that apply): It is alright to use a sex manual or watch a video in order to learn sexual techniques that will enhance sexual pleasure with your partner. 7F (88%) 7M (88%); It is alright to have casual sex with different people, but only one relationship at a time. 1F (13%) 3M (38%); It is alright to go to a bar or party with the explicit purpose of looking for someone to have casual sex with. 3M (38%); It is alright to watch a strip-tease act or go to a topless bar just to get turned on. 3F (38%) 4M (50%)

17. Do you think the movies/tv you watch and music you listen to help define your sexual interests?: Yes 4F (50%) 4M (50%); No 4F (50%) 4M (50%)
18. Do you think Americans are more prudish about sex than Europeans?: Yes 6F (75%) 6M (75%); No 2F (25%) 2M (25%)
19. Have you personally ever been "sexually harassed"?: Yes 5F (62%) 1M (13%); No 3F (38%) 5M (88%)
19. What in your view defines "sexual harassment" (SH)? How does sexual harrassment differ from sexual abuse (SA) (e.g., rape, violence)?
Female responses: [typed as is without corrections]: "SH is comments or touching that is annoying but not violent. SA is violent & feared." "Someone who makes unwanted comments toward sexuality which make another uncomfortabler. SA is serious and much more violent." "SH is a verbal abuse that make the person feel worthless and small. SA is the same but only worse it's physical." "SA is physical. SH is more verbal over physical actions." "SH ... comments, gestures, physical contact." "SH not as serious as an offense... Innuendos, verbal comments, jokes, etc. ... causes discomfort & annoyance." "An act that makes someone feel uncomfortable in any way. Doesn't have to be directed at the person they may just be a witness." "An obscene comment or gesture done by an individual made to belittle you or feel uncomfortable. SA is a physical touch of any kind in a sexual matter (chest, but, etc.) which is not asked for or receved comfortably by the other individual."
Male responses:: "SH are comments or acts whose intent may not be to hurt but can be inferred as hurtful. SA are acts whose purpose are to dominate and subjugate another individual." "SH is an unwanted sexual advance or sexual phone call that is unwanted. SA is physical and involves touching (unwanted of course)." "SH is when one feels uncomfortable because of someone else's words or actions. SA is a criminal sexual act." "SA is a physiucally or emotionally damaging event that requires treatment. SH is merely annoying that may not receive treatment."
Previous Survey of Anthro 145 (January, 1999)
There were 13 females and 6 males responding. Please note that the results have no statistical validity due both to the small sample and the nature of the questions asked, but are provided as a basis for discussion on similarities and differences in the responses according to the sex of the respondent. I provide the raw numbers as well as the percentages only by sex.
Professor's Comments:

Given the lack of statistical validity, do you still notice any major differences between male and female responses to the various questions? [for example, look at the responses to #9 and #18]
Which of the responses surprise you?
How do you think these responses would compare to those made in your parent's generation?
Which of the questions do you think are poorly designed or easily result in confusing results?
What questions do you think should be included here?
Do you think these responses are representative of Hofstra students in general?
Do you think these responses would be representative of a national set of responses?

1. Who generally want sex more?: Men 8F (62%) 5M (84%)
Women 1M (17%): Both about the same 5F (38%)
2. Who generally get more satisfaction out of sexual foreplay?
Men 1M (17%): Women 5F (38%) 2M (34%); Both about the same 8F (62%) 3M (51%)
3. Which response is closest to your personal view of masturbation?
Always wrong: Alright only as part of foreplay before sex with partner 2F (15%) 1M (17%); Private act that is nobody else's business 9F (70%) 5M (84%); OK, even if done in front of a friend 2F (15%)
4. Which response is closest to your personal view of oral sex?
Always wrong: Alright only if part of foreplay before sex with partner 3F (23%) 2M (34%); Private act for an individual and nobody else's business 4F (31%) 3M (51%); OK, whether heterosexual or homosexual 7F (54%) 1M (17%)
5. Do you consider "oral sex" the same as "having sex" with someone?: Yes 3F (23%) 2M (34%); No 9F (70%) 4M (67%)
[note: one person put yes for Lesbian and no for heterosexual or homosexual male]
6. Which response is closest to your personal view of prostitution (paying for sex as service)?: Always wrong 10F (77%) 3M (51%); Alright if a person is not married or without a steady partner 1F (8%) 1M (17%)
Alright if your spouse or partner never knows about it: OK, whether heterosexual or homosexual 2F (15%) 2M (34%)
7. Which response is closest to your view of multiple consenting sex partners (orgy)?: Always wrong 3F (23%) 1M (17%); Alright if everyone is open-minded and no one is intentionally hurt 7F (54%) 4M (67%)
Alright if you can get away with it 1M (17%): OK, whether heterosexual or homosexual 3F (23%)
8. Do you ever fantasize in your mind about having sex with another person?: Always wrong 1F (8%) 1M (17%)
Alright if your partner does not know 1M (17%): Alright if the person fantasized never knows 2F (15%) 1M (17%); OK, whether heterosexual or homosexual 10F (77%) 3M (51%)
9. Are you likely to fantasize about having sex with someone else in this class?
Yes 1F (8%) 3M (51%)
No 12F (92%) 2M (34%)
I choose not to answer this question. 1M (17%)
10. Do you think it is wrong to watch a porno film or look at pictures of people having sex?
Always wrong
Alright, if it is artistic and not overtly pornographic or sadistic 1F (8%) 2M (34%)
Alright if done discreetly or in private 5F (38%) 2M (34%)
OK, even if pornographic or sadistic 7F (54%) 3M (51%)
11. Do you plan to follow the sexual morality of your parents?
Yes 4F (31%)
No 9F (70%) 6M (100%)
12. Would you want your children to follow your view of sexual morality?
Yes 9F (70%) 4M (67%): No 4F (31%) 2M (34%)
13. If you get married (or if you are already married), what do you think will be the result?
Stay with the same person until death , even if the love fades 3F (23%) 1M (17%)
I will only get married if it is the kind of love that lasts forever 7F (54%) 5M (84%)
I may have to marry several times to find my true love
I will probably get divorced and hit the singles scene
[Note: one person said "marriage is a farce"]
14. At what age did you have your first sexual experience?
Not yet 2F (15%) 1M (17%)
14 1M (17%): 15 1F (8%) 2M (34%); 16 2F (15%); 17 1F (8%) 1M (17%); 18 4F (31%); 20 2F (15%) 1M (17%)
15. At what age would you want your children to have their first sexual experience?
male child:

15 1M (17%)

16 1F (8%) 2M (34%)

17 1F (8%) 1M (17%)
18 5F (38%) 1M (17%)

20 1F (8%)
when ready 1F (8%)

when responsible 1M (19%)

not sure 1F (8%)

female child:

15 1M (17%)

16 1F (8%)
17 1F (8%) 1M (17%)

18 4F (31%) 2M (34%)

20 2F (15%)

21 1M (17%)

when ready 1F (8%)

when responsible 1M (19%)

not sure 1F (8%)
16. Which of the following statements do you personally agree with? (Circle all that apply)
It is alright to use a sex manual or watch a video in order to learn sexual techniques that will enhance sexual pleasure with your partner. 12F (92%) 5M (84%)
It is alright to have casual sex with different people, but only one relationship at a time. 4F (31%) 3M (51%)
It is alright to go to a bar or party with the explicit purpose of looking for someone to have casual sex with. 3F (23%) 1M (17%)
It is alright to watch a strip-tease act or go to a topless bar just to get turned on. 7F (54%) 1M (17%)
17. Do you think Americans are more prudish about sex than Europeans?: Yes 12F (92%) 5M (84%); no response 1F (8%); No 1M (17%)
18. Have you personally ever been "sexually harassed"?
Yes 9F (70%) 1M (17%)
No 5F (38%) 5M (84%)
Not sure
19. What in your view defines "sexual harassment"?
FEMALE RESPONSES:

"Being touched or talked to in a sexual way that is not consented."
"Being harrassed because of my sex or because of the harrasser's sex."
"Sexual harrassment is any action or comment that makes a person feel uncomfortable or exploited. I have been sexually harrassed many times and at times its been severe."
"Sexual harrassment, in my view, is when an individual deliberately makes sexual comments in general and/or about a particular person and insinuates about them having sexual relations with that person. Also, when one's job is put in danger for not obliging to the advances."
"If someone tries to make advances at me using a sexual tone and I feel uncomfortable."
"Forceful sexual conduct that is not reciprocated and is continual."
"Someone forcing you or making comments pertaining to sex, which make the person feel uncomfortable."
"When jokes are taken to a level that are not funny or when someone is physical or might hurt."
"Being approached by another person (sex irrelevant) in a sexual way that makes you feel uncomfortable about your job, school, street, or environment you come in contact with."
Any sexual encounter that is not welcome by the person (it is being done to).
"When the opposite sex harrasses someone by sexual comments of their body or sexual questions or even comments mentioning their sexusl behavior with others or with that person."
"Sexual harrassment is making unwanted sexual advances, comments, jokes in a work setting. In addition, it is the atmosphere of the site too."


MALE RESPONSES:

"Sexual comments or actions taken towards someone."
"Saying, doing, acting in ways that offend others."
"Unwanted sexual advances."
"Hitting on someone too much without consent."
"Making comments or suggestions or actions that are sexual in nature after being asked not to in a situation where the person cannot leave the room or area, i.e. work, class."