Infant and Child Sexuality: A Sociological Perspective - Ipce

anticipation, and satisfaction.
What would the reactions of preadolescents to their sexual encounters
be if society recognized preadolescent sexual potential, provided
responsible information about sex, and allowed for developing sexual
maturity and expression? Would the reactions of preadolescents be more
or less negative than they are now? Opinions of both students of human
sexuality and parents of preadolescents are divided on this issue and
empirical evidence is inadequate to predict what the major ramifications
of a program of greater sex education and increased sexual permissiveness
would be. One thing is certain, the majority of parents in
the United States appear to be ready to accept more and better sex education
for their offspring. It seems reasonable to assume that positive
and constructive sexual upbringing would result in more
discriminating interpersonal relations during the preadolescent years
and hence in an increase in positive attitudes toward interpersonal intimacy.
Summary
Sexual awakening comes to many during preadolescence. The presence
of sexual-erotic encounters in preadolescence casts doubt on the universal
application of the concept of sexual latency. Other sociological
and anthropological research also calls the latency concept into
question as well.
Preadolescence is a period of transition as the changes that begin
during these ages are essential to full adult sexual functioning. The
biological-sexual changes--appearance of pubic hair, development of
breasts, etc.--can be awesome to the preadolescent who is not sure what
his reactions to such phenomenon should be.
Preadolescent boys experience erections in response to varied stimuli.
And masturbation is a common experience for both preadolescent
boys and girls. The masturbation fantasy accompanying these experiences
is in large part dependent upon the nature of one’s prior sexual
experiences. Guilt feelings often accompany masturbation as the preadolescent
intuits guilt from the kind of sexual socialization received in
infancy and childhood.
Mixed parties are a part of the preadolescent scene and while providing
a chance for boy-girl encounters, often precede or signal the
beginning of paired dating. First paired dating frequently occurs and
even going-steady relationships develop at this early age.
The sexual-erotic encounters of preadolescents are often those carried
over from childhood with elaborations. Exposure, touching and fondling,
kissing, dancing, making out at parties, mutual masturbation,
coitus, and oral sex occur.
Homosexual activity is also present during preadolescence. About
six percent at the age of five and thirty-three percent at adolescence
have had at least one homosexual encounter. While it is generally proscribed
in the United States, many societies encourage homosexual behavior.
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