Infant and Child Sexuality: A Sociological Perspective - Ipce
Infant and Child Sexuality: A Sociological Perspective - Ipce
Infant and Child Sexuality: A Sociological Perspective - Ipce
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III. PREADOLESCENCE (8-12 YEARS)<br />
Preadolescence, here defined as the ages from eight through twelve,<br />
is a period of anticipation--a transition period--since the pubic<br />
changes that begin during these ages <strong>and</strong> mature later are essential to<br />
full adult sexual functioning. Parents as well as the major institutions<br />
in society are aware <strong>and</strong> apprehensive about these changes.<br />
Some aspects of sexual change appear earlier than others, <strong>and</strong> some<br />
come on at different ages for different individuals. The time <strong>and</strong> rate<br />
of development is not the same for boys <strong>and</strong> girls either. Biological<br />
puberty, announced by the menarche in girls <strong>and</strong> by the capacity for<br />
ejaculation in boys <strong>and</strong> with the development of secondary sex characteristics<br />
in both, begins between the ages of eight <strong>and</strong> fifteen. (For<br />
detailed information on biological changes during these years, see Caplan<br />
<strong>and</strong> Lebovici, 1969, p. 27-49; McC<strong>and</strong>less, 1967, p. 382-414; Douvan<br />
<strong>and</strong> Gold, 1966; Maccoby, 1966).<br />
The eight year old, conscious of self as a person, recognizes his<br />
differences from other people <strong>and</strong> voices them. While one this age is<br />
very involved in thinking about self, chief interest lies in relationships<br />
with others, whether they be people younger, older, or of the<br />
same age. The eight year old is more outgoing than when younger, now<br />
being the initiator of attempts to meet people <strong>and</strong> to go places. Personal<br />
relationships <strong>and</strong> what others do to one are important. The eight<br />
year old cares about what other people do to others as well. Social<br />
st<strong>and</strong>ards are understood <strong>and</strong> followed. One’s own successes are viewed<br />
with pleasure, but guilt feelings accompany failure. The eight year old<br />
has developed an increasing identification with certain social groups<br />
<strong>and</strong> has begun the practice of exclusion of those who are different.<br />
The eight year old’s interest in sex is rather high, although sex<br />
exploration <strong>and</strong> sex play are both less common than they were at age<br />
six. Questions about sex continue with girls especially being interested<br />
in menstruation <strong>and</strong> pregnancy. The process of a baby’s growth<br />
within its mother is understood <strong>and</strong> the appearance of a pregnant woman<br />
is connected with the existence of a baby. More exact information is<br />
sought as to where the baby is in a mother’s abdomen. Realization that<br />
the father has a role in procreation develops, <strong>and</strong> curiosity about that<br />
role is present.<br />
Girls <strong>and</strong> boys begin to separate in play. Girls participate in doll<br />
play, paper doll play, <strong>and</strong> playing house as before. However, stressing<br />
of more complex adult relationships distinguishes their play from<br />
earlier years. Unorganized group play, such as wild running, chasing,<br />
<strong>and</strong> wrestling occur. The beginning of secret clubs with varieties of<br />
purposes is characteristic of this age group. The clubs are usually<br />
short-lived. Boys recognize pretty girls <strong>and</strong> girls realize that some<br />
boys are better looking than others. A boy may have several girl<br />
friends, but he is aware that he will marry only one. The idea of<br />
having a home of one’s own separate from parents when one marries is<br />
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