Volume XIII Number 4 March 1985 ISSN-0991-3995 Sex information and Education Council of the U.S.

MALE SEXUALITY AND MASCULINE SPIRITUALITY

lames 6. Nelson, PhD Professor of Christian Ethics United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities New Brighton, Minn. Member, S/ECUS Board of Directors

Allan Sillitoe describes “the loneliness of the long distance In looking at the first of these issues, I start with the premise runner” in his book by that title: that men tend to genitalize sexuality. This means at least the following: that men tend to isolate sex from other areas of life, All I knew was that you had to run, run, run, without tend to focus the meaning of sexuality in the genital expe- knowing why you were running, but on you went, rience, and find the genitals highly important to the male through fields you didn’t understand and intowoodsthat self-image. Without intending a biological determinism, we made you afraid, over hills without knowing you’d been can still acknowledge that the male biological experience up and down, and shooting across streams that would encourages certain tendencies different from those commonly have cut the heart out of you had you fallen into them. experienced by women. And the winning post was no end to it, even though the Male genitals are external, visible, and easily accessible to crowds might be cheering you in, because on you had to touch. One result of this is that males predictably masturbate go. (Sillitoe, 1959, pp. 37-38) earlier and more frequently than females, generating a greater I suspect that some of the major problems in masculinespiritu- tendency to focus and reinforce male sexual feelings in the ality are suggested in Sillitoe’s description. Here is loneliness genitals rather than diffusing those feelings throughout the (life is ultimately a solitary enterprise), strenuous performance body. Also, particularly in adolescence, the male experiences and competition (be the best), homophobia (other men might erections at awkward times and in unwanted situations, an get too close), fear of death (on you had to go), and confusion experience which tends to persuade him that the penis is about the meaning of the race itself. Sillitoe’s passage can also beyond his voluntary control, not really part of him. As Saint be suggestive of some of the major connections between male Augustine observed, his penis had a mind of its own, a lust and sexuality and masculine spirituality. concupiscence not fully accessible to his willpower. By sexuality I mean far more than genital sex. Rather, our Furthermore, the sexual experience for the male seems sexuality is our way of being in the world as gendered persons focused in an act-an act which involves excitement, erection, with self-understandings as male or female, body feelings and sometimes penetration, and orgasm. Actions are performed. attitudes, affectional orientations, capacities for sensuousness, They are definable experiences which occur at specific times and with the drive toward intimacy and communion. By spiritu- and places. Actions are always morespecificthan relationships, ality I mean the ways and patterns by which the person- which are less localized in time and space and which are more intellectually, emotionally, and physically-relates to that diffused and broad in meanings. which is ultimately real and worthful for him or her. Again, the male experiences his penis as an instrument for Various writers (e.g., Fasteau, 1975; Goldberg, 1979; penetration. While the woman tends to experience her sexual- Nichols, 1975; Zilbergeld, 1978) have documented typical ity as more internal and mysterious, a man is inclined to expe- problems in male sexual expression: conquest orientation, rience his sexual body not as that which possesses mystery but orgasm focus, excessive concern with technical performance, a more as an instrument for penetrating and exploring the mys- problem with sensual playfulness, emotional unexpressive- tery which is essentially external to himself. ness, feeling responsible for the “success” of the sexual All of these bodily experiences appear to incline men encounter, and being terrorized by not living up to the expec- toward certain spiritual contours. One is externality. Mystery is tations of “a normal man.“Perhaps many of these are related to less within than “out there.” Mystery, which thus lies beyond three basic issues which connect the male sexual experience the self, is to be penetrated by a self which is demarked by and masculinespirituality: thegenitalization of sexuality, prob- specific boundaries. Mystery is to be explored and, if need be, lems with intimacy, and the fear of death. conquered. So it is with God, the ultimate mystery. God is experienced more as transcendent than immanent, more individuation-who am I as a male or as a female, and who am I beyond than within. Such, characteristically, has been the as a unique individual? Becausetheprimary nurturing parent is shape of a male-dominated theology. The Protestant Reforma- usually the mother (or a female mother-substitute), the pro- tion itself was strongly masculinist in mood and, among other cesses involved in these two tasks are different for boys than things, it was a reaction against Roman church practices which they are for girls. Girls experience themselves as being like had become “too feminine”-too immanent, immediate, their mothers, continuous with them, and the sense of gender physical, and sensual. Thus the Reformers attacked physical identity is a natural flow. On the other hand, “mothers expe- representations of the divine-relics, crucifixes, stained glass, rience their sons as a male opposite,” and boys, in order to images of the Virgin. The radical “otherness” of God was define themselves as masculine, must physically separate them- recaptured, while the radical immanence of God faded. selves from their mothers. As a result, male development But this concept also applies to the spirituality of males involves a “more empathic individuation and a more defensive generally. Orientation to mystery is more one of penetrating firming of experienced ego boundaries” (Chodorow,l978, pp. otherness than of embracing it within. The mood is one of 150, 166-167). Male gender identity, then, becomes defined conquest, analysis, distinction, understanding. And the mys- through separation and individuation, whereas that of the tery itself is likely to be understood as dominantly character- female is defined through attachment. ized by stereotypically masculine virtues: order, structure, law, Thus, if the girl is apt to be more successful in establishing and rationality. This seems to hold true whether the object of her gender identity than in establishing her individuality, one’s spirituality is ultimately God, science, institutional life, it is the opposite for the boy. For him, gender identity is more career, or whatever. likely to be a lifetime project. “What does it mean to be a If externality is one characteristic of masculine spiritual man?” will be a more continuing question for him than the tendencies, a constellation of linearity, hardness, and upness corresponding question for the woman. And because he has appears to be another. These obviously are not only part of the established his somewhat precarious masculinity primarily male sexual experience, but a prized part of it, inasmuch as through separation and individuation, intimacy may well erection is pleasure and potency, and necessary for “sexual threaten his sense of gender much more than it threatens the success.” In the male world of achievement, hard facts mean female’s This is accentuated because the boy, now having more than soft data. Computers are “up” when they are func- initially established his emerging masculinity through separa- tioning, “down” when not. Straightness is honored, sexually tion, frequently has few positive clues about manhood. and otherwise. Linear history makes more sense than cyclical Because his father is more physically and emotionally distant history, whether on aworld scale or in one’s own story. It seems to be otherwise with women. Penelope Washbourn writes:

I used to think of creation and the image of God as Creator as one who made, fashioned or shaped. I feel now, however, that the image of creation is best under- Volume XIII, Number 4 March 1985 stood as being open to, sharing, participating, working with, surrendering to the movement of life. . . and I feel The S/ECUS Report is published bimonthly and distributed to that through my body, specifically through the natural SIECUS members. functioning of my female sexual structures, I have been Annual membership fees: Individual $40; Student (with valida- given a perception of these graceful dimensions. (Wash- tion) $20; Organization $90; Benefactor $150 or over. bourn, 1974, p. 282) Library and Institutional subscriptions: $40 annually. It is no accident that male spirituality, whether formally reli- Outside U.S.: Canada and Mexico, add $5.00 per year to the gious or not, is more inclined toward ladders than toward above fees; other countries, add $10.00 per year. circles, more eager to shape than to surrender, more open to Single copies of back or current issues of theS/fCUS Report may the new than to repetition, more attuned to the movement of be ordered for $5 each, prepaid. Bulk prices available. history than to the movements of nature. All inquiries should be directed to the SIECUS Publications One other link between male genitality and spirituality Office at the address below. deserves mention: the accent upon act and performance as S/ECUS Report is available on microfilm from University Micro- opposed to relationship and meaning. Carol Gilligan’s critique films, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. of Lawrence Kohlberg’s male-oriented moral development scheme provides illustration (Gilligan, 1982). She countered Editor-Anne Backman, MA Kohlberg’s argument (based on his all-male samples) that the Editorial Consultants highest stages of moral development were characterized by a Joan S. Benesch Michael Carrera, EdD rational and reflective understanding of human rights by posit- Jane Quinn, ACSW ing that this scheme reflected male experience more than Robert Selverstone, PhD female. Women are more inclined to focus on relationships Ann Welbourne-Moglia, RN, PhD and responsibilities, a focus linked in no small measureto their Copyright @ 1985 by TheSex Information and Education Council different sexual experience. of the U.S., Inc. 80 Fifth Avenue, Suite 801-2, New York, NY This, however, leads us to a second major issue in male 10011; (212) 929-2300. sexuality and masculine spirituality: intimacy. What sexual Library of Congress catalog card number 72-627361. dynamics lie behind the male difficulty with intimacy, and what are the effects on male spirituality? No part of the S/ECUS Report may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the SIECUS Publications There are two fundamental tasks which face every infant: Office. the establishment of gender identity and the establishment of

2 SIECUS Report, March 1985 than his mother, the clues for manhood are more likely to Also, if the female bodily experience is more cyclical, more emerge in negative rather than in positive images: What is a accustomed to vulnerability, it is also more apt to deal realisti- boy? “Boys are not girls, they aren’t sissies, they don’t cry, they cally with profound bodily changes. Thus, since the experience don’t run to their mothers when they’re hurt.“There are many of death is the most profound of all bodily changes, it is no negative clues for manhood, but fewer positive ones. surprise that death fears appear stronger in males. Death, after Another major force impeding a man’s capacities for inti- all, is the final challenge to linear thought, to self-control, to macy is homophobia, the irrational fear of same-sex attraction mastery, to winning. lt is the final defeat of hardness and and affection. While the dynamics of homophobia are com- performance. So it comes as little surprise that a male- plex, there are two facets which are particularly relevant here. dominated medical profession is a death-defying, death- One is the threat of womanization. The gay male threatens the denying profession. It comes as little surprise that a largely heterosexual male because the homosexual symbolizes male-dominated economy is more attuned to technological “the woman”-the one who is not masculine according to reason (how can we make it work?) than to ontological reason cultural standards, the one who is capable of being submissive (what does it mean, and why is it good?). Death is the most in sexual relationships (a desire of most of the males who are profound bodily change of all. It is the final question mark to tired of acting out the dominant role). Further, the gay male is a traditional male values. threat because he symbolizes the male-to-male acceptance, If these are some of the problems, my purpose here is not tenderness, and intimacy, which are the inner desires of every that of offering neat solutions. Such would certainly be prema- male, but which are hard to experience in a sexist and homo- ture. We are only beginning to understand the problems, and phobic society. the answers will be slow in coming. The major task right now, I Homophobia impedes the relationships of a man with believe, is that of understanding the connections between the other men, limiting them largely to competition and “buddy- male sexual experience and masculine spirituality patterns. ship,” and preventing the genuine emotional vulnerability Nevertheless, I want to hazard a few suggestions that make required for deep friendship. Homophobia impedes the rela- sense to me at this point. tionships of fathers and sons, with fathers fearing the expres- A richer, more fulfilling, and more peaceful masculine sion of too much affection and sons learning to put on their spirituality will depend in no small measure upon new ways of emotional armor. It limits men’s interests, out of the fear that learning to be sexual. Male biology will not change; it will following certain inclinations will imply homosexuality. “The continue to have an effect on male sexuality that is different theme, sounded time after time, is this: ‘A largesegment of my from the effect of female biology on female sexuality. In many feelings about other men are unknown or distorted because I ways, of course, this is to be celebrated. Phallic consciousness, am afraid they might have something to do with homosexual- however susceptible to its distortions, can be a source of ity. Now I’m lonely for other men and don’t know how to find strength. There is, as Robert Bly has said, “a hairy man,” “an what I want with them”’ (Clark, in Pleck & Sawyer, 1974, p. 92). Iron John” within the male. There is a deep and dark, instinc- Intimacy is thus a problem for most men. While classical tual Zeus-type energy which men want and need to tap. And literature and philosophy (stemming from a time and culture this seems related to the desire to penetrate and to explore the much less marked by homophobia) frequently explore the mystery of otherness, a desire that itself is important to human meanings of friendship, it is significant that Christian theology fulfillment. and ethics say little about it. (Thomas Aquinas is an exception, At the same time, this energy needs balance through the though it is notable that his theory of friendship is drawn development of a more receptive and vulnerable male sexual- largely from Aristotle.) In our society, men’s sexual experience ity which will form the grounding for a more receptive and has not conditioned them to friendship. They have been condi- vulnerable masculine spirituality. One important contribution tioned to competition and conquest. In their relationships with to this will be more active, nurturant fathering of the male other men, it is easier to have buddies than to have real friends. child. The emotionally and physically distant father, who That, for male theologians, friendship has been low on the rewards his son with love made conditional on performance scale of virtues is evidenced by the paucity of their writings on expectations, contributes to a male shaped for independence this subject as compared to other topics. but not intimacy, self-protection but not vulnerability,compe- Friendship with God is also a muted theme in male-domi- tition but not mutuality. It can be otherwise, however, with nated Christian literature. While Aquinas could talk about different fathering patterns. friendship with God, and while certain medieval mystics Further, men need more capacity for sexual diffusion-the (though they were usually women) could even talk about God ability to feel the desire for union throughout the entire body- as a lover, it has been difficult for most men to experience these self, and not simply in the genitals. The achievement of this things. Since God has been heavily imaged in masculine terms, capacity may well be largely a matter of what traditional reli- homophobic dynamics assert themselves. This, too, is one of gion has called “grace.” It is the sense of one’s own funda- the marks of much current masculine spirituality. mental self-acceptance simply because one is, not because of A third major theme of male sexual experience is that of what one does. The body-self is me, I am my body, and I am death. The male experiences erection and loss of erection. For graced. I do not have to achieve, conquer, penetrate, or cap- a variety of reasons, this is the experience of life and death. ture the mystery. I participate in life’s basic mystery just Potency is life. Impotence is death. One could say, amending because I am and because God is gracious. That this gracious Freud, that perhaps it is not so much a castration fear that lurks sense of male embodiedness can be nurtured in the socializa- in the male psyche, but rather a performance-failure fear. tion process is supported by James W. Prescott’s research on Impotence, whether a man has ever experienced it or not, is violence and sexual pleasure. In hisextensive neurophysiologi- always lurking in the wings. Further, the male is always cal and cross-cultural studies, he found that physical nurtur- “defeated” in sexual intercourse; hardness becomes softness ante of babies and young children, especially the body for him, while his female partner seemingly can go on forever. pleasure resulting from intimate, non-exploitive touching, is

SIECUS Report, March 1985 crucial to the development of peaceful and socially coopera- Also, we who are male need a better theology and ethics tive persons. The absence of close infant nurturance, on the dealing with death. If we men are more inclined to distance other hand, is predictably correlated with high levels of adult ourselves from our bodies, are more inclined to treat bodily violence and control needs, both individually and socially changes as threat, and have a greater need to triumph over the (Prescott, 1975). body, we need a body-affirming approach to death. Paradoxi- Further, homophobic dynamics which do so much to trun- cally, we discover that insofar as we fail to accept death, we also cate a positive masculine spirituality need to beaddressed. Part fail to embrace life; insofar as we resist the seasonal quality of of this may come through better cognitive understanding, both life, we fail to embrace the reality and joy of our mortal flesh. scientific and theological, of the acceptability of sexual orienta- A Christian understanding of the symbol of “resurrection” tion, whatever it may be. Part of it may come from addressing has much to offer for male sexual health. It embraces the reality the patriarchal male sexism which underlies so much homo- of bodily life-our genesis, our flowering, our changes, our phobia. But an important part must also come from a male’s vulnerability, our decay-and affirms that this is all good, and learning to love the body-self that he is. If I am dominantly also that it is not final. I suspect that this conviction, deeply heterosexual, an important ingredient of my self-acceptance is internalized, would do much to alleviate the male death fears the ability to love and to celebrate rather than to fear those that plague us and which make our anxious striving after homoerotic desires that are also part of me. And, as Seymour deathlessness an impediment to a more healthy masculine Fisher (1976) has demonstrated, it is no accident that one’s own spirituality. body acceptance and comfort are positively correlated with the These, then, are some reflections on male sexuality and capacity to tolerate ambiguity rather than the need to engage masculine spirituality. That the two are deeply interconnected, in dichotomous thought patterns-the either/or’s which fuel I have no doubt. That I have correctly analyzed some of their the homophobic fires. connections, I am not sure. But that we will help each other in Needless to say, the above suggestions about new ways of finding these connections, I have hope. understanding or interpreting male sexuality need reinforce- ment at every stage of life through new socialization messages References for males about what it means “to be a man.“To be a man does Chodorow, N. The reproduction of mothering. Berkeley: University of not mean to be always in control, always dominant, competi- California Press, 1978. tive, and emotionally invulnerable. It means to be a male Fasteau, M. F. The male machine. New York: Delta, 1975. human being-with distinctive male sexual experience and Fisher, S. Body consciousness. Glasgow: William Collins, 1976. energy, but also with unique capacities for the whole range of Gilligan, C. In a different voice. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1982. human traits. Goldberg, H. The new male. New York: Morrow, 1979. In addition to new ways of sexual socialization, however, Nichols, J. Men’s liberation. New York: Penguin, 1975. we need new departures in theology and ethics. One of these Pleck, I. H., & Sawyer, 1. (Eds.). Men and masculinity. Englewood Cliffs, must be an erotic theology and ethics. Eros, the desire for N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1974. fulfillment, has traditionally received a bad press in male- Prescott, 1. W. Body pleasure and the origins of violence. The Futurist, 1975, 9(2), 64-74. dominated Christian ethics. It has been labeled as egocentric Sillitoe, A. The loneliness of the long-distance runner. New York: Sig- and selfish, something to be suppressed, while agape, self- net/New American Library, 1959. giving love, has been celebrated as the only genuinely Chris- Washbourn, P. Body world: The religious dimensions of sexuality. tian form of love. This, however, is not only questionable Christianity and Crisis, 1974, 34(21), 279-284. Zilbergeld, B. Male sexuality. New York: Bantam, 1978. theologically and biblically, it is also seriously questionable in regard to psychological health. Men need to affirm and cele- brate the eros within. We need to affirm desire as well as self-giving. Desire admits need, while self-giving without the affirmation of desire becomes condescending and controlling. And what do we need? For what do we yearn? For intimacy with SIECUS POSITION STATEMENT ON males as well as females, for acceptance and celebration of SEXUALITY AND RELIGION ourselves as well as pressing ourselves to give and to perform, for experiencing the inwardness and immediacy of God aswell SIECUS believes that organized religion has a very great contribution to make in promoting an understanding of as God’s awesome otherness. The affirmation of an erotic theology and ethics is also an human sexuality as one of the most positive expressions affirmation of the goodness of pleasure. Male theology tradi- of mutual respect, caring, love, and equality among men tionally has been suspicious of pleasure. But genuine pleasure and women. promises to enhance the genuine love of self, the capacity to love God. The authentic need for pleasure is the hunger for the SIECUS therefore urges religious groups and spiritual leaders to involve themselves not only in sexuality educa- other-not the hunger to absorb or conquer, but the hunger tion but also in discussion of the sexual concerns of all the for communion, for mutual fulfillment. members of their congregations, not excluding the Further, we need a fresh theology and ethics of friendship young, the elderly, the ill, or the physically or emotion- (something that is beginning to come from feminists, though it ally disabled. SIECUS also believes that it is important for has yet to make significant inroads on male-dominated reli- religious institutions to minister to, and accord full reli- gious thought). Such an approach will affirm the importance of gious participation to homosexual and bisexual women living out of the core of one’s own being-“centering.” It will and men and to single adults and those living in non- mean a pattern of relating to others as equals rather than in traditional but responsible relationships. hierarchical status modes. It will affirm the importance of vulnerability. It will be the honesty of being willing to say, “I need. I fear. . I want. .I’

4 SIECUS Report, March 1985 Understanding the Reactionary Religious Mind

Letha Dawson Scanzoni Professional Writer in Religion and Social Issues Author of numerous books and articles on sexuality Greensboro, N.C.

This past election day, a panel on a fundamentalist television When what is considered to be a settled arrangement program urged viewers to vote for candidates who had taken (“God’s order”) is questioned in any way, the equilibrium is the”right stand on those issues most crucial toChristians.“The disturbed and one’ssecureworld appears thrown intodisarray. issues named were abortion, homosexuality, and the Equal For some fundamentalist persons the resulting sense of dis- Rights Amendment. Here was one more piece of evidence that orientation may produce actual feelings of nausea. “I became major concerns of the religious right center around sexuality. sick to my stomach when I found out what they were teaching We who work in the areas of sexuality education and sixth grade boys and girls together in a sex education class,” counseling need to besensitivetothe intensefear lying behind one fundamentalist mother said recently. “They’re trying to such concerns. It is the exploitation of such fear and anxiety break down children’s inhibitions and take away the sacred- that has allowed religious extremists to gain power few would ness of sex.” Another person said, “It just turns my stomach” in have imagined not so long ago. When Jerry Falwell, for exam- describing his reaction to news of a same-sex couple who ple, warns of the “dangerous impact of groups likethe militant wanted a public ceremony to announce their love and commit- homosexuals, feminists, ACLU, NOW, NARAL, Planned Par- ment. Still others speak of “feeling ill” over what they call enthood, NEA, and others who are lowering the dignity and “unisex trends,” persuaded that the blurring of male and value of human life and are attempting to purge God out of female distinctions in roles, characteristics, clothing, and hair- American society altogether” and charges further that such styles is a violation of an eternal cosmic order in which females groups “are trying to steal our religious liberties and eliminate are to be subordinate to males and not their equals. One leader our moral absolutes” (Falwell, 1984), he knows he is touching a worries that men will be “feminized” by spending too much raw nerve. To speak of sexuality-related issues is to tap into time with women-even their own wives. deep feelings about what matters most to the average person in Much energy goes into making sure nothing disturbs one’s everyday life-one’s identity and role as a male or female; tightly closed system of order. During one community’s emo- ideals of love, marriage, and faithfulness; close family relation- tionally charged public debate over schoolchildren’s exposure ships; bearing and rearing children to be responsible members to certain textbook material, one angry parent spoke of the of society, and so on. Further, there is a lurking fear that if “insidious attempt [by presumed ‘secular humanist’educators] sexuality is permitted to get “out of control,” everythingwill be to replace our periods with their question marks.” The reac- chaotic and society will fall apart. tionary religious mind feels uncomfortable with questions, If people can be convinced that there’s a conspiracy afoot doubts, choices, and thinking for oneself. I’m reminded of Kai which threatens to undermine what they consider most pre- Erikson’s comment on 17th century Massachusetts Puritan cious, they’ll want to do all they can to stop it. This will include society in which “the very idea of intelligent controversy pouring time, money, and energy into a movement that prom- seemed absurd” since, “after all, the truth was as plain as the ises to go to battle on their behalf and that removes their sense print on everyone’s Bible” (as interpreted by the clergy). In of helplessness and insignificance by makingthem feel they are view of this, Erikson continues, “If a persuasive argument playing an important part in“God’s plan to save America.” If, should jar a Puritan’s certitude or a clever line of reasoning in addition, the movement promises easy, simplisticanswers to confuse him, he had every right to suspect some devilish the baffling questions and complex problems arising in a mischief was afoot” (Erikson, 1966). period of rapid social change, this seems to be just what many Still fearful of such confusion today and unable to feel people are looking for. In this light, we can see the appeal of comfortable with pluralism, the religious right attempts to pre- the New Right-especially its religious manifestation in serve and protect its construction of reality primarily through fundamentalism. three control mechanisms: (1) the squelching of diversity, (2) As a movement and doctrinal belief system, fundamental- the building of a separate subculture, and (3) efforts to force ism is one part of the wide continuum that constitutes histori- society to conform to its viewpoint. cally rooted Protestant evangelicalism. But the fundamentalist By squelching diversity, the religious right can promote mindset or particular approach to reality can characterize per- the idea among its followers that its stance on various topics sons or groups within other religious persuasions as well. It’s a such as abortion, homosexuality, marital roles,child discipline, rigid, legalistic way of looking at the world, and its key empha- masturbation, and so on is the only “true Christian” stance. sis is on order-a prescribed order in which everything is neatly Those who interpret Scripture differently and hold other posi- in place (Scanzoni, 1981, 1984). tions are discredited. (“They can’t be true born-again believ-

SIECUS Report, March 1985 5 ers. ” “They’ve sold out to liberalism and can’t be trusted.“) In provided has been sexually molesting the boy. “How could some cases pressure is put on publishers to take certain books God allow this?” hesobstothecounselor.“Pleasedon’ttelI me out of print. The October 1984 issue of the Moral Majority my son will be a homosexual.” I think of the conservative Report told of one such effort which resulted in a reputable religious women I know who have had abortions and fear evangelical publisher’s withdrawing a book from the market- ostracism in their subculture if their secret is ever found out. I a book in which the author said there was no biblical warrant think of the woman, cruelly raped by her husband, whose for automatically labeling abortion as murder and suggested pastor tells her the Bible says she must simply submit to him. abortion might be a tragic option in some cases. “There are And I think of the teenage incest victim in a fundamentalist points of view which should not be heard when wrapped in the home who is told by her pastor that she must keep the family pious blanket of so-called evangelical publishing,” said a together and recognize her stepfather as the head of the home spokesperson for the book’s far right critics who objected to in spite of what he did to her. “giving the mantle of evangelical respectability to the pro An awareness of the four categories can provide a basis to ‘therapeutic’ abortion position.” Religious reactionaries start from in our dealings with persons from such religious apparently are afraid that their own constellation of values will backgrounds. We can reach out to persons in the Thoughtful somehow be invalidated by the mere existence of other ways of Questioner and HurtingStruggler categories especially. Butwe looking at issues. need to take seriously their concern with the spiritual dimen- The building of a separate conservative religious subcul- sion of their lives, including the guilt they may feel in certain ture, complete with its own radio and television broadcasting sexual matters. We must also take care not to minimize or make systems, “safe” authors and publishing houses (which even light of their fear and wariness about seeking help outside their produce evangelical and fundamentalist sex manuals), and religious subculture. And we must be sensitive to their moral schools and colleges, further assures a protective environment concerns and shock threshold. When one fundamentalist cou- to screen out ideas that are considered harmful to the move- ple, after much time and hesitation, decided to try sex therapy ment’s constituents, and also provides away to bring the move- for the husband’s impotence, they were stunned when the first ment’s ideas to others. Religious books on gender roles, question they were asked was whether the husband would be marriage, sexuality, and childrearing that arefound in the most willing to work with a surrogate if necessary. Obviously the accessible places-drugstores, supermarkets, and the like-are therapist had not taken the time to get a sense of the couple’s far more likely to originate from those on the religious right feelings. Last, we must also take care not to trivialize the impor- than from evangelicals on the left, mainstream Protestants, tance of the Bible to fundamentalist Christians. We can, how- Catholics, or Jews. ever, make them aware of resource materials illustrating the But even this isn’t enough. In another context,sociologists positive approach to sexuality that many persons have found in John DeLamater and Patricia MacCorquodale havewritten: “If Scripture and thus assure them that sex is the creation and gift society controls the expression of sexuality via norms, then the of God. Some books that keep an evangelical audience in mind acquisition of these norms by individuals is an important con- are Sex for Christians by Lewis Smedes, although it is unfortu- trol mechanism” (1979). Aware of this, the new right wants its nately flawed in its treatment of homosexuality (Eerdmans, influence felt in society’s agents of socialization. All of us are 1976); Celebration in the Bedroom by Charlie and Martha aware of efforts to exert an ever increasing amount of control Shedd (Word, 1979); and The Gift ofSex: A Christian Guide to over the public schools, to change laws to conform to the Sexual Fulfillment by Clifford and Joyce Penner (Word, 1981). outlook of the reactionary religious mind, to overturn com- Some of my own efforts in this direction are Sex Is a Parent munity ordinances forbidding discrimination against gay men Affair (rev. ed. 1982, temporarily out of print), Sexuality (West- and lesbians, and so on. The media are another target. One of the minster Press, 1984), two articles for a special booklet, Chris- boldest efforts is reflected in the January 1985 announcement tians and Homosexuality (published by The Other Side of Jesse Helms’s promotion of a takeover of CBS through pur- magazine, 300 W. Apsley, Philadelphia, PA 19144), and Is the chases of stock by conservatives. This gesture is symbolic of an Homosexual My Neighbor? (co-authored with Virginia Ramey attitude prevalent in the movement. Mollenkott, Harper & Row, 1978). As we come in contact with persons of the religious right, it Judging from the number of calls I get from individual helps to remember that they fall into at least four categories: counselors, from church groups, and from professional col- the Aggressive Combatants, who speak in militaristic terms leagues, I believe that a lot of people are not only making the about “conspiracies,” “takeovers,” and battles against evil as effort to understand the questions and anxieties of those with personified in whatever groups are linked on their current list; conservative religious beliefs but are also working to open up the Loyal Supporters, who fear the changes in modern society mutually effective communication. and find security in following the Combatants who serve as their religious authorities; the Thoughtful Questioners who, although attracted to fundamentalism out of a genuine desire References to know and please God, are not so sure all the answers are already in and thus don’t accept unquestioningly all they’ve DeLamater, J., & MacCorquodale, P. Premaritalsexuality: Attitudes, re- been told but are open to new ideas and information; and lationships, behavior. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, finally, the Hurting Strugglers whose life experiences do not 1979. Erikson, K. T. Wayward puritans: A study in the sociology of deviance. seem to reflect the pat answers and tidy order they weretaught New York: Wiley, 1966. to expect. In considering this last category, I think of the funda- Falwell, J. A master plan to save America. The Moral Majority Report, mentalist mother whose homosexual son is dying of AIDS and September 1984, special supplement, p. 1. who listens to her pastor describe AIDS as “God’s just punish- Scanzoni, L. D. The great chain of being and the chain of command. In J. Kalven & M. Buckley (Eds.), Women’s spirit bonding. New York: ment for perversion.” I think of the young minister who prayed Pilgrim Press, 1984. for a grandfather-figure for his small son and who has just Scanzoni, L. D. Protestant views of sexuality. In J. Holland (Ed.), Religion learned that the substitute grandfather he thought God had and sexuality. San Francisco: The Association of Sexologists, 1981.

6 SIECUS Report, March 1985 BIBLIOGRAPHY OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS ON SEXUALITY AND SEX EDUCATION

I I

This current listing of materials, published primarily by American religious groups, was compiled by Leigh Hallingby, MSW, MS, Manager, SIECUS Information Service and Mary S. Calderone Library. The citations are listed without evaluation. SlECUSdoesnot sell any of these publications. If your local bookstore cannot get them for you, write directly to the publishers who addresses are given at the end of this bibliography. Unlessspecifically indicated, prices listed here do not include postage and handling (p/h). It is best to add an extra 15-20% to cover these costs. Most of these items are available for use at SIECUS’s Mary S. Calderone Library at New York University (715 Broadway, Room 213; 212-673-3850). Several non-denominational books dealing with religion and sexuality are listed on two other SIECUS bibliogra- phies: “Human Sexuality: A Bibliography for Everyone” and “Human Sexuality: A Selected Bibliography for Professionals.“Single copies of this bibliography are available from the SIECUS office on receipt of $1.00 and a stamped, self-addressed business-size envelope. In bulk they are 75~ each for 5-49 copies and 50~ each (plus $2.00 p/h) for 50 copies or more.

I. Curriculum Materials How You Cot To Be You (ages a-II), $5.95; The New You (ages ll-14), 55.95; Lord of Life, Lord of Me (ages 14 and up), $5.95; Sexuality: God’s Precious Gift to Parents andchildren (adults), $5.95. American Lutheran Church Set, $35.70. Six corresponding filmstrip/cassette sets, $15.95 each; set l Created Male and Female. Augsburg Publishing House, 1969. For of six, $79.95. Complete set of books/filmstrips/cassettes, $115.65. junior high. Student pack, $3.30; class resource kit (includes teacher’s guide, charts, posters, records, pamphlets), $26.00. Mennonite Church l Decisions About Sexuality (Decision Series). Augsburg, 1982. Six- l Growing Up to Love: A Guide to Sex Education. H. Clair Amstutt. session program for junior high.Student book byJoyceD.Sandberg, Herald Press, 1968. For parents; 95c. $2.25; teacher’s guide by Philip Dell, $3.25. l Love and Sex Are Not Enough. Charles P. DeSanto. Herald Press, l Sexuality: Fact and Fantasy (In the Image Series). Augsburg, 1982. 1977. Written to help young people think seriously about dating, Six-session program for senior high/young adult. Student book by courtship, and marriage. Book, $3.95; activity guide, $1.25. Karen C. Bockelman, $2.50; teacher’s guide by Anita A. Johnson,$3.75. Roman Catholic Church Baptist Sunday School Board-Broadman Press Benziger Family Life Program. Benziger, 1978. Gifts to Share (grade l Sexuality in Christian Living Series. Broadman Press, 1972-73. Five 1); Your Family and You (grade 2); Being Alive (grade 3); Knowing texts: Made to Grow (ages 6-8), $6.95; The Changing Me (ages g-11), Yourself (grade 4); The Gift of New Life (grade 5); A Special You $6.95; Growing Up With Sex (ages 12-14), $6.95; Sex Is More Than a (grade 6); A Whole Person (grade 7); Always Growing (grade 8). For Word (ages 15-17), $6.50; Teaching Your Children About Sex each grade level: student’s book, 53.00; teacher’s manual, 53.75; (adults), $4.95. The first three are also available in Spanish for $1.40, tamily handbook, 51.80. 51.75, and $2.50. Benziger High School Family Life Program. DavidThomas. Benziger, 1982. identity (grades 9-10); Family (grades 11-12). Student’s book, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) $3.75, teacher’s manual, $3.15; parent orientation guide, 51.50. l Growing Up to Love--Meaning of Sexuality. Laraine Wright O’Mal- Education in Human Sexuality for Christians: Guidelines for Discus- ley. Christian Board of Publication, 1978. Six-session program for sion and Planning. National Committee for Human Sexualitv, Dept. grades 7-9; part of Christian Education: SharedApproaches, a cur- of Education, U.S. Catholic Conference, 1981; $9.75 (includes p/h). riculum for 12 Protestant denominations; $2.85. See accompanying curriculum The Search for intimacy under United Church of Christ. The Salvation Army - Eastern Territory

l Bridging the Gap Between Youth and Community Services: A life Episcopal Skills Education Program. The Salvation Army, 1982. For ages 12-18. l Human Sexuality Study Guide Series Overview. Episcopal Diocese of Leader’s guide, $8.70; supplement for use in religioussettings,$3.50; California, rev. ed., 1982; 130-page outline for series on human whole package, $11.20. sexuality for adult church groups; $6.00. l Sexuality: Gift or Burden! Dorothy F. Rose and Dorothy J. Brittain. Unitarian Universalist Association Episcopal Diocese of Central New York, 1980; 47-page book outlin- l About Your Sexuality. Deryck Calderwood. Unitarian Universalist ing seminar to help adults clarify their values, understanding, and Association, rev. ed., 1984. A complete multimedia program for feelings regarding sexuality; $3.00. junior high levels and up. $275.00. l The invisible Minority: The Homosexuals in Our Society. Deryck jewish Calderwood and Wasily Szkodzinsky. UUA, 1972. A three-part sound Course on Human Sexuality for Adolescents in Religious Schools, filmstrip in color, for adolescents and adults; $18.00. Youth Groups, and Camps. Annette Daum and Barbara Strongin. Union of American Hebrew Congregations, Dept. of Interreligious United Church of Christ Affairs, rev. ed., 1981; IC-hour curriculum designed to help teens l The Search for Intimacy: A Youth Elect Series Course for Older cope with changing sexual mores; $2.50. Youth. Bill Stackhouse and Manfred Wright-Saunders. United Love, Sex, andMarriage: Ajewish View. RolandB. Cittelsohn. Union Church Press (order from Pilgrim Press),l981. For gradeslo-12; part of American Hebrew Congregations, rev. ed., 1980. For grade 11 and of Christian Education: Shared Approaches, a curriculum for 12 up; 57.95. Protestant denominations; $3.50. See accompanying curriculum Growing Up to Love under Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod l Sexual Abuse Prevention: A Study for Teenagers. Marie Marshall l The New Concordia Sex Education Series. Concordia, 1982. Six texts: Fortune. Pilgrim Press, 1984. A curriculum for presentation at five Each One Specially (ages 3-5), 55.95; I Wonder Why (ages6-8), $5.95; consecutive weekly sessions or on a weekend retreat; $3.95.

SIECUS Report, March 1985 7 United Methodist Church Jewish l Affirming Sexuality in Christian Adulthood. Joan Hunt and Richard l Assault on the Bill of Rights: TheJewishStake. AnnetteDaum. Union Hunt. Graded Press (order from Cokesbury), 1982. For adults. Lead- of American Hebrew Congregations, 1982. Contains24-oaeesectionI Y er’s guide with bound-in sound sheet and poster, $3.95; student’s on abortion; 55.00. - - book. $1.95. l Choosing a Sex Ethic: A jewish Inquiry. Eugene B. Borowitz. Schock- l God Made Us: About Sex and Growing Up. Graded Press (order en, 1969; $5.95. from Cokesbury), 1980. For grades5-6. Leader’s guide by DorlisClass l Keeping Posted, Vol. 27, No. 5, Summer 1982. Union of American and Marilyn Carpenter, $4.95; student’s resource book by Eleanor Hebrew Congregations. A Jewish view of human sexuality for junior Bartlett, Dorothy Gins, and Charles Herndon, $1.30. and senior high youth. Student’s edition, $1.25; leader’s edition, l /ourneys: A Christian Approach to Sexuality. Robert Conn. Graded $2.00. Press (order from Cokesbury), 1979. For late teens. Leader’s book, l Marital Relations, Birth Control, and Abortion in fewish Law. David $1.80; student’s book, $1.80. M. Feldman. Schocken, 1974; $8.95. l Sex and Sexuality: A Christian Understanding. Joan Miles. Graded l A Study of Adolescent Sexuality. S. Morton Altman et al. Jewish Press (order from Cokesbury), 1982. For junior high. Leader’s guide, Welfare Board, 1981. Summary of study of 655 teens selected from $1.95; student’s book, $1.80. membership lists of seven Jewish community centers; $10.00

United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. Mennonite Church l Teenage Pregnancy: The Kids Next Door. United Presbyterian Church (order from Curriculum Order Services, UPCUSA), 1983. A l Abortion: A Summary Statement. Herald Press, 1976; 12 copies, six-session Youth Elect Series Course for adolescents in grades TO-12 $2.00. and their parents; part of Christian Education: SharedApproaches, a curriculum for 12 Protestant denominations; $2.85. National Council of Churches

l Abortion: A Paper for Study. National Council of Churches, 1973; Non-Denominational 25~. l A Christian View of youth and Sexuality. Steve Clapp, Sue Brown- l A Compilation of Protestant Denominations/Statements on family field, and Julie Seibert. C-4 Resources, 2nd ed., 1982. For teenage and Sexuality. NCC, 3rd ed., 1982; $5.00 (includes p/h). audience; 57.00. l Religious Affirmations of Sexuality in the Later years. NCC, 1981; l A Christian View of Youth and Sexuality: Adult Guide. Steve Clapp, $3.25 (includes p/h). Sue Brownfield, and Julie Seibert. C-4 Resources, 1980. Designed to l Two Churches Face Issues of Human Sexuality. C. William Sheek. provide adults with guidance as they work to help teens develop NCC, 1978; 51.00. sexual values in a Christian context; 55.00. Programs in Religious Settings. Marjorie Dahlin. Center for Popula- Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. tion Options, 1983; 60-page sexuality education strategy and l Abortion: Documents for Church Study. Presbyterian Church, 1974; resource guide including’su&essful program models; $4.001. 5oq. Religion: A Kev Foundation for Familv Life Education. Patti 0. Brit- l Homosexuality and the Church: A Position Paper. Adopted by the ton &d Timothy P. Lannan, eds. Planned Parenthood Federation of General Assembly. Presbyterian Church, 1979; 25~. America, 1983; 36 pages on sex/family life education programs l Nature and Value of Human Life. Position paper on abortion which are emanating from religious organizations; 53.00. adopted by the General Assembly. Presbyterian Church, 1982; $1.45. Religion and Family-Life Education: A Selected, Annotated Biblio- eraohv. Planned Parenthood Federation of America, 1983, 53.25. Religious Society of Friends ihe Talk: A Religious Workshop forParents andTeens on Communi- cating Sexual Values. Tara Howard. Planned Parenthood of San l Homosexuality From the Inside. David Blamires. Friends HomeSer- Diego, 1982; $9.95. vice Committee (order from Friends Book Store), 1973; 51.50. Teenage Sexuality: Local Church and Home Program Guide. Steve l Human Sexuality and the Quaker Conscience. Mary S. Calderone. Clapp. C-4 Resources, 1984. A 200-page expanded edition of an Friends General Conference (order from Friends Book Store), 1973; earlier publication entitled Teenage Sexuality: A Crisis and Oppor- 51 .oo. tunity for the Church; $9.00. l Towards a Quaker View of Sex. Friends Home Service Committee (order from Friends Book Store), 1964; $1.00.

Roman Catholic Church II. Religion and Sexuality Abortion and the Early Church: Christian, fewish, and Pagan Atti- tudes in the Greco-Roman World. Michael J. Gorman. Paulist Press, American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A. 1982; $3.95. l Expecting. Elizabeth Hambrick-Stowe. Judson Press, 1978. A Chris- Educational Guidance in Human Love: Outlines for Sex Education. tian exploration of pregnancy and childbirth; $3.95. Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education, Rome. United States Catholic Conference, 1983; $3.00 (includes p/h). American Lutheran Church Parents Talk Love. Matthew Kawiak and Susan Sullivan. Paulist Press, 1984. Video cassette of three 20-minute parts with study guide l Abortion: A Series of Statements of the American Lutheran Church 7974, 7976, and 7980. American Lutheran Church (order from Auas- designed to help parents be sex educators of their children; $99.00. burg), 1980. Single copies, 50~; 12 copies, 54.00; TOO copies, $3O.i0. Parents Talk Love: A Catholic Family Handbook on Sexuality. Susan l Abortion: A Statement ofJudgment andConviction. American Luth- Sullivan and Matthew Kawiak. Paulist Press, 1985; $8.95. eran Church (order from Augsburg), 1980. Single copies, 4~; 12 Sexual Morality: A Catholic Perspective. Phillip S. Keane, Paulist copies, 32q, 100 copies, $2.40. Press, 1977; $6.95. What Are They Saying About Sexual Morality! James P. Hanigan. l Embodiment: An Approach to Sexuality and Christian Theology. James B. Nelson. Augsburg, 1978; $8.95. Paulist Press, 1982; $3.95. l Human Sexuality andSexual Behavior. American Lutheran Church (order from Augsburg), 1980. Single copies, 15q, 12 copies,$l.65; 100 The Salvation Army copies, $13.50. l The Salvation Army’s Position on Abortion. The Salvation Army, l Sex, Love, or Infatuation: How Can I Really Know! Ray E. Short. 1972; no charge. Augsburg, 1978; $3.75; usage guide, 30~ (12 copies, $3.30). l The Salvation Army on Sexual Permissiveness. The Salvation Army, 1971; no charge. Anglican Church of Canada

l Abortion: An issue for Conscience. Phyllis Creighton, ed. Anglican Seventh Day Adventist Church Book Centre, 1974; $7.95. l Five pamphlets from Hangups Series: Can This Be love? (on sex l The Abortion Question. Bruce Alton, ed. Anglican Book Centre, before marriage), 1977; VD Means. ., 1978; What IsSexualSolitaire? 1983; $2.25. (on masturbation), 1977; Two of a Kind [on homosexuality), 1977;

8 SIECUS Report, March 1985 Will You Marry Me! 1978. Wayout Press; single copies free; bulk the Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence; rates available. $9.95.

Unitarian Universalist Association United Methodist Church l Conducting Lesbian and Gay Ho/y Union Ceremonies. Robert P. l Guide to the Study Document on Human Sexuality. George E. Wheatley, ed. UUA, 1985; price unavailable at press time. Koehler. Discipleship Resources, 1983; $3.25. l For the Record. UUA,1985. Resolutions bv UUA regarding- - homosex- **Homosexuality: In Search of a Christian Understanding. Leon Smith, uals, bisexuals, the Office of Lesbian and Gay Concerns, gay human ed. Discipleship Resources, 1981; $3.00. rights, and Holy Union ceremonies; price unavailable at press time. l A Voice for Gay Human Rights: Unitarian Universalism. Donna United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. Scalcione-Conti, ed. UUA, 1981; 2Oq each; $15.50 for 100. l Problem Pregnancies: Toward a Responsible Decision. United l Where Love Is: Affirming Lesbian and Gay Ho/y Unions. Robert P. Presbyterian Church, 1978; $1.00. Wheatly. UUA, 1985; price unavailable at press time. l Sexuality and the Human Community. United Presbyterian Church, 1970; $1.50. United Church of Canada l Faith and Sexuality: A Spectrum of Persona/ Convictions Contribut- Non-Denominational ing to the Discussion of Human Sexuality in The United Church of l Comprehensive Theological Perspectives on Abortion. Religious Canada. United Church of Canada, 1981; $2.85. Affairs Committee. Gary N. McLean, ed. Planned Parenthood of l Gift, Dilemma and Promise. United Church of Canada, 1984. Report Minnesota, 1984. A collection of essays covering a broad spectrum of and affirmations on human sexuality; $4.50. positions on reproductive rights; $5.95. l In God’s image Ma/e and Female: A Study on Human Sexuality by l Religion and Sexuality: judaic-Christian Viewpoints in the U.S.A. the Division of Mission in Canada for the Genera/ Council of The John M. Holland, ed. The Association of Sexologists (order from United Church of Canada. United Church of Canada, 1980; $5.25. Multi-Media Resource Center), 1981. Representatives of the Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish religions present their theological United Church of Christ viewpoints on sexuality; $5.95. Abortion: The Moral Issues. Edward Batchelor, ed. Pilgrim Press, 1982; $15.95 hc, $8.95 pb. Alternative Publications Between Two Gardens: Reflections on SexualitvandReliEiousExoe- l A Disturbed Peace: Selected Writings of an Irish Catholic Homosex- rience. James B. Nelson. Pilgrim Press, 1984. ‘Essays att:mpting to ual. Brian McNaught. Dignity, 1981; $5.95 (includes p/h). integrate human religious and sexual experiences in the face of the l Homosexua/ity andSocia/Justice: Report of the Task Force on Cay/ Western cultural split between spirit and body; $8.95. Lesbian Issues. The Consultation on Homosexuality, Social Justice, Coming Out to Parents. Mary V. Borhek. Pilgrim Press, 1983; $9.95. and Roman Catholic Theology, 1982. Report originally published by Gay/Lesbian Liberation. George R. Edwards. Pilgrim Press, 1984; Task Force on Lesbian/Gav Issues of the San Francisco Archdiocese; $8.95. $14.00. HomosexualityandEthics. Edward Batchelor, ed. Pilgrim Press,1980; l integrity Forum: A Publication for the Gay Christian Movement. $8.95 pb. Address: 235 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10014. Yearly mono- Human Sexuality: A Preliminary Study/The UnitedChurch ofchrist. graph; $1.00. Pilgrim Press, 1977; $5.95; study guide, $1.75. l lntearitv News and Notes. Address: 235 West 12th Street, New York, Love and Control in Sexuality. W. Norman Pittenger. Pilgrim Press, NY yOOi4. Published at irregular intervals; $6.00 per year. 1974; $4.25. l The following publications, all by Ralph Blair, are available from the Making Sexuality Human. W. Norman Pittenger. Pilgrim Press, 1979; Homosexual Community Counseling Center: Doubtful Christians $4.95. Make Queer Saints, 1984, $5.00; Ethics and Gay Christians, 1982, My Son Eric. Mary V. Borhek, Pilgrim Press, 1979. A mother describes $2.00; Evangelical5 (?!) Concerned, 1982, $2.00; Ex-Gay (A Critical her personal growth in accepting her gay son; $8.95. Evaluation), 1982, $3.00; Getting Close: Steps Joward Intimacy, 1980, l The Same Sex: An Appraisal of Homosexuality. Ralph W. Weltge, ed. $3.00; Getting Closer: Structure for Intimacy, 1981, $3.00; Hope’s Pilgrim Press, 1969. An anthology of articles by experts from a variety Gays and Gays’ Hopes, 1983, $2.00; Record: Newsletter of Evangeli- of disciplines; $3.95. cals Concerned, no charge; Review: A Quarter/y of Evangelicals l Sexual Violence: The Unmentionable Sin. An Ethical and Pastoral Concerned, no charge; Wesleyan Praxis and Homosexual Practice, Perspective. Marie Marshall Fortune. Pilgrim Press,1983,Theauthor, 1983, $3.00; With Sunshine andRainfall forA//: An EvangelicalAffir- an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ, is Director of mation of Gay Rights, 1983, $3.00.

Publishers and Distributors

Anglican Book Centre Center for Population Options The Consultation on Episcopal Diocese of California 600 Jarvis Street Room 101 Homosexuality, Social Justice& Department of Education Toronto, Ontario M4Y 216 2031 Florida Avenue, NW Roman Catholic Theology Division of Human Relationships Washington, DC 20009 584 Castro Street, Suite 341 1055 Taylor Street Augsburg Publishing House San Francisco, CA 94114 San Francisco, CA 94108 426 S. Fifth Street, Box 1209 Christian Board of Publication Minneapolis, MN 55440 Box 179 Curriculum Order Services- Episcopal Diocese of Central St. Louis, MO 63166 UPCUSA New York Benziger Publishing Company 925 Chestnut Street 310 Montgomery Street 17337 Ventura Boulevard Philadelphia, PA 19107 Syracuse, NY 13202 Encino, CA 91316 Cokesbury 201 Eighth Avenue, South Dignity, Inc. Friends Book Store Broadman Press P.O. Box 801 1500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW 156 North 15th Street 127 Ninth Avenue North Nashville, TN 37202 Suite 11 Philadelphia, PA 19143 Nashville, TN 37234 Washington, DC 20005 Concordia Publishing House Herald Press C-l Resources Consumer Products Discipleship Resources Mennonite Publishing House 210 West Church 3558 South Jefferson Avenue P.O. Box 840 616 Walnut Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 St. Louis, MO 63118 Nashville, TN 37202 Scottsdale, PA 15683

SIECUS Report, March 1985 9 Homosexual Community The Paulist Press Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. United Church of Canada Counseling Center 545 island Road Materials Distribution Service 85 St. Clair Avenue, East 30 East 60th Street, Suite 803 Ramsey, NJ 07446 341 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE Toronto, Ontario M4T lM8 New York, NY 10022 Altanta, GA 30308 Canada The Pilgrim Press Jewish Welfare Board The Salvation Army 132 West 31st Street The United Presbyterian Church Office of Public Information New York, NY 10001 Social Services Department 15 East 26th Street 120 West 14th Street in the U.S.A. New York, NY 10011 Office of the General Assembly New York, NY 10010 Planned Parenthood Federation 475 Riverside Drive, Room 1201 of America Schocken Books New York, NY 10027 Judson Press Emphasis Subscriber Service 200 Madison Avenue P.O. Box 851 810 Seventh Avenue New York, NY 10016 Valley Forge, PA 19482 NewYork,NY 10019 United States Catholic Conference Union of American Hebrew Office of Publishing and Multi-Media Resource Center Congregations Promotion Services 1525 Franklin Street Planned Parenthood of Minnesota 838 Fifth Avenue 1312 Massachusetts Avenue, NW San Francisco, CA 94109 1965 Ford Parkway New York, NY 10021 Washington, DC 20005 St. Paul, MN 55116 National Council of Churches The Unitarian Universalist Office of Family Ministries Planned Parenthood of San Diego Association Wayout 475 Riverside drive 2100 Fifth Avenue 25 Beacon Street Box 2829 New York, NY 10115 San Diego, CA 92101 Boston, MA 02108 Hollywood, CA 90028

DO YOU KNOW THAT.\. .

Resources to Write for . . . Sex and the Married Woman (1983; 216 pp.) by Dianne Cross- kopf is based on a study of the sexual attitudesand behaviorsof 1,207 women which was commissioned by Playgirl magazine Alternative Life-Styles Confront the Church by Deane William and conducted by the Institute for the Advanced Study of Ferm describes a wide variety of initiatives by both local and Human Sexuality. A copy of the questionnaire is followed by national church groups to provide programs and services to analysis and discussion of the women’s answers. To order, send meet the needs of special populations such as single, sepa- $8.95 (plus p/h) to: Simon & Schuster (Wallaby),1230 Avenue of rated, and divorced persons, the disabled, unmarried couples, the Americas, New York, NY 10020. gays, and women who work outside the home. This 134-page book, at $8.95 (plus p/h), may be ordered from: Seabury Press, 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017. Sex Education and Counseling for Mentally HandicappedPeo- ple (1983; 308 pp.), written by Ann Craft and Michael Craft, Sex Talk for a Safe Child by Domeena Renshaw is a 34-page, begins with a review of the literature and then has chapters on illustrated book for parents or professionals to read with chil- such topics as teaching techniques, curricula, and resources for dren under nine or with mentally slow children. It covers working with this population; sexuality training for parents and information about the birth process, the sexual parts of chil- professionals involved with the mentally handicapped; contra- dren’s bodies, childhood sexual curiosity and behavior, appro- ception; and sexual counseling with developmentally disabled priate kinds of affection and touch, expression of emotions, adult individuals and couples. To order, send $19.95 (plus p/h) different types of families, “mixed up” types of touch and to: University Park Press, 300 North Charles Street, Baltimore, sexual behavior, and assertiveness against unwanted sexual MD 21201. attention or abuse. It is available for $2.50 (plus$l.SO p.h.) from: The American Medical Association, P.O. Boxl0946,Chicago, IL Human Sexuality in Health and Illness by Nancy Fugate Woods 60610. A second edition is in preparation. is now available in a third edition (1984). This 476-page book, oriented toward health professionals, provides an overview of Answers to Your Questions About Herpes and How You Can human sexuality; examines sexual health and health care; and Live With It is a24-page pamphlet written by three physicians- has I.5 chapters on sexuality as it relates to such medical pheno- William R. Gold, Norman B. Levy, and Leonard J. Rosenthal. mena as pregnancy, abortion, and various illnesses and disabili- The format provides frank and reassuring responses to over 40 ties. The price is $15.95 (plus p/h), and it is published by: TheC. questions covering all aspects of this sexually transmitted dis- V. Mosby Company, 11830 Westline Industrial Drive, St. Louis, ease. Single copies of this recent publication arepriced at$1.95 MO 63146. (includes p/h) and may be ordered from: Virgil Smirnow Asso- ciates, Health and Public Affairs, P.O. Box 34425, Bethesda, MD Human Medicine: Ethical Perspectives on Today’s Medical 20817. Bulk rates are available. Issues (1984; 224 pp.) by James B. Nelson and Jo Anne Smith Rohricht is a revised and expanded edition of Nelson’s original . Cycles: Every Woman’s Guide to Menstruation (1983), a 179- 1973 book. It includes up-to-date studies of abortion, repro- page paperback by Patricia Allen and Denise Fortino, is packed ductive technologies, genetics, and health care systems, with with useful information regarding puberty, diet, menstrual thoughtful analysis of the complex social, political, and eco- irregularities, premenstrual syndrome, drugs prescribed for nomic issues involved. This is a useful resource for all those menstrual problems, toxic shock syndrome, and menopause. concerned with medical ethics. It is priced at $10.95 (pb) and is Priced at $3.50 (plus p/h), this publication is available from: available from: Augsburg Publishing House, 426s. Fifth Street, Pinnacle Books, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018. Box 1209, Minneapolis, MN 55440.

IO SIECUS Report, March 1985 IRESEARCHNOTES

“Research Notes” is prepared by Elizabeth Rice Allgeier, PhD, Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio. Sarah K. Murnen, Psychology Department, State University of New York at Albany, co-authored this issue’s column.

Perceptions of Parents as Sexual Beings: Pots and Codow Revisited

Although they generally believe that their parents are happily of either their parents or average married couples at IO-year married, adolescents tend to think that these happy relation- intervals ranging from ages 20 to 89. All students were then ships exist in the relative absence of sexual intimacy. These asked torespondtotheProfileofMoodStates(POMS,McNair, were the findings of a fascinating and widely cited 1977 study by Lorr, & Droppleman, 1971). The POMS consists of 65 adjectives Ollie Pots and Annette Godow. These researchers asked 646 to which respondents indicate their feelings on a 5-point scale college students to estimate their parents’frequencyand kinds ranging from “not at all” to “extremely” descriptive. The scale of sexual activity. The students’ estimates were compared to assesses anxiety, depression, hostility, vigor, fatigue, and con- the actual figures for coital activity as reported a quarter of a fusion. Consistent with the cultural expectation hypothesis, century earlier by respondents in the Kinsey group’s studies regardless of whether students gave estimates for their parents (Kinsey, Pomeroy, & Martin, 1948; Kinsey, Pomeroy, Martin, & or average couples, as age increased the estimated frequency Gebhard, 1953). Although subsequent research has reported of coitus decreased. However, the frequency estimates for higher rates of marital sexual activity than found by the Kinsey parents were generally lower than were the estimates for aver- group (e.g., Hunt, 1974; Westoff, 1974), students in Pots and age married couples, a finding that is more consistent with the Godow’s (1977) research provided estimates of parental coital incest taboo than with the cultural expectations hypothesis. frequency that were far lower than the frequency reported by Further, students who estimated their parents’coital frequency the Kinsey group’s volunteers. According to Pots and Codow, were significantly more anxious and depressed than were those “for almost all age categories and both sexes, Kinsey’s sample who gave estimates for average couples. mean was twice as high as student estimates” (p. 33). For exam- Based on these two studies, then, we might conclude not ple, parents aged 36-40 were estimated to have coitus 4 times a only that college students generally expect coital frequency to month, whereas the Kinsey group respondents reported hav- decline with age, but also that some of the discrepancy ing coitus an average of 8.0 (female) or8.8 (male) times a month between students’ perceptions of parents’ sexual activity and with their spouses. For parents 41-45, students gave estimates the self-reported rates from Kinsey et al. (1948; 1953), Hunt of about 3 times a month, compared to 6.8 (female) or 7.6 (1974), and Westoff (1974) may also be due to discomfort in (male) by the Kinsey volunteers. thinking of parents as sexual-the incesttaboo. However, Hoyt Pots and Godow suggested three alternative explanations (1978) found that more than 70% of a college sample of 50 for these findings: cultural expectations that the frequency of students reported that they had tried to imagine their parents’ sexual activity declines as we age; an “incest taboo” in which sex lives. Although self-reported reactions to such images were people suppress thoughts of their parents as sexual beings; or a varied, the most common response was a happy, pleased failure of parents to communicate the fact that they enjoy their feeling-in contrast with Zeiss’s findings of depression and marital sex, thus leading to the logical assumption by children anxiety. that their parents are nonsexual. Comments made by some of In trying to account for their findings, both Pots and the students in Pots and Godow’s study seemed to support the Godow (1977) and Zeiss (1982) suggested, but did not test, a “incest taboo” explanation, e.g., “Who ever thinks about their communication hypothesis. As Pots and Godow put it, “. . . parents’ sexual relations-except perverts” (p. 34). many parents may appear to be non-sexual because they hesi- Antonette Zeiss (1982) examined two of the three explana- tate to discuss the topic of sexuality in any way with their tions advanced by Pots and Godow. If the cultural stereotype children (Bell, 1966) or because they are not inclined toexhibit of a decline in sexual frequency with age was responsible for loving, affectionate responses, let alonesexual behavior, in the Pots and Godow’s findings, then students should give esti- presence of their children” (p. 35). Addressing the same mates of marital coital frequency that show similar declines hypothesis, Zeiss (1982) suggested that it might be possible to with advancing age for both their parents and married couples examine the explanatory capacity of the incest taboovs. com- on the average. If, however, offspring suppress thoughts of munication hypotheses by”studyingfamilieswhichvary on the their parents as sexual in line with the incest taboo hypothesis, dimension of parental communication about sex. If the com- then lower estimates should be given for parents than for munication hypothesis is correct, then children whose parents average couples. Also, consistent with an incest taboo explana- openly express their sexual feeling for each other, verbally or tion, the task of providing estimates of parents’ (vs. average nonverbally, should not show the pattern of results found in couples’) coital frequencies should be more stressful. Accord- this report and in the prior work of Pots and Godow (1977). If ingly, Zeiss asked 229 students to estimate the coital frequency distortion continues to occur in estimates of intercourse fre-

SIECUS Report, March 1985 11 quency, and/or if distress associated with thoughts of parental estimated parental coital frequency. The fact that we found a intercourse persist, then the incest taboo hypothesis would communication effect stimulates further questions. Although warrant further consideration” (p. 54). students’ estimates are lower than adults’ self-reports, are they In exploring the possibility that individual differences in correlated with parents’ sexual activities? Do parentswho have levels of communication about sexuality from their parents sex more often talk about sex more openlywith their children? might be related to estimates of parental coital frequency, we Is the general discrepancy between adults’ and their offsprings’ (Murnen & Allgeier, 1985) did not directly assess levels of estimates due more to norms regarding privacy about our communication within families. Instead, weexpanded thegen- sexual experiences (what we might call a”parental sneakiness eral methodology used by Zeiss by adding a third estimation hypothesis”) than to a desire to suppress thoughts of parents as group and a self-report questionnaire regarding extent of pa- sexual beings? Finally, the direction of inquiry in this line of rental communication about sexuality. Specifically, we asked research has thus far been concerned with students’ estimates 120 students to provide coital frequency estimates for parents, ‘of their parents’ activities. What are the perceptions of parents average couples, or themselves at the different age spans used in regard to the sexual activities of their college-age offspring by Zeiss. Following Zeiss, we also included the Profile of Mood and is there asimilar discrepancy? We are currently working on States. Finally, we administered a 14-item questionnaire in the development of a parallel form to use with parents in which students were asked to indicate the extent to which their addressing these questions. I will be happy to send copies to mothers and fathers discussed various aspects of sexuality with any of you who also wish to collect data on these issues. them, and the extent to which their parents were affectionate The actual and potential benefits of parent-child com- with one another in their presence. On the basis of their munication and education about sexuality have been responses to these items, the students were categorized into addressed in a previous column (Algeier, 1982), as well as by high or low self-reported parental communication groups. Pots and Godow (1977) and by Zeiss (1982). In support of our expectations, and in line with the com- munication hypothesis suggested by both Pots and Godow References (1977) and Zeiss (1982), those students reporting high (vs. low) Allgeier, E. R. Correlates of sex education: Promiscuity and pregnancy levels of communication with their parents estimated greater or contraceptive use? S/ECUS Report, 1982, 71(2), 7-8. coital frequency for their parents. We were somewhat sur- Hoyt, M. F. Primal scene experiences as recalled and reported by col- lege students. Psychiatry, 1978,41, 57-71. prised that this “communication effect” was limited to esti- Hunt, M. Sexual behavior in the 7970s. Chicago: Playboy Press, 1974. mates for parents’ coital frequency; that is, those groups Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., & Martin, C. ErSexuaj behavior in the reporting higher parental communication did not expect human ma/e. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 1948. greater frequencies for average couples or for themselves Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., Martin, C. E., & kebhard, P. H. Sexual behavior in the human female. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders,1953. across the lifespan. The estimates of declining coital frequency McNair, D. M., Lorr, M., & Droppleman, L. F. ElJS manual for thepro- with age found by Zeiss were replicated.by our students’ file of mood states. San Diego, Calif.: Educational and Industrial responses. In contrast to Zeiss’s findings, and to the incest Testing Service, 1971. taboo hypothesis, however, anxiety and depression scores did Murnen, S. K., & Allgeier, E. R. Estimations of parental sexual frequency not vary as a function of whether students were asked to and parent-child communication. Under editorial review, 1985. Pots, O.,‘& Godow, A. G. Can students view parents as sexual beings? estimate the coital frequency of their parents, average couples, The Family Coordinator, 1977.26. 31-36. or themselves, nor were there differences in expectations of Westoff, C. Cdital frequency and conrraception. Family Planning Per- coital frequencies as a function of whether students were rat- spectives, 1974, 6, 136-141. ing their parents, average couples, or themselves across the age Zeiss, A. M. Expectations for aging on sexuality in parents and average span. married couples. The journal of Sex Research, 7982, 78, 47-57. Our finding of no difference between estimation groups appears to be due to ratings of parental frequency (across communication groups) being somewhat higher than in Zeiss’s j DO YOU KNOW THAT.. : 1 research, but our students continued to demonstrate the pat- tern first identified by Pots and Godow. That is, in a comparison Resources to Write for . . . of data for the same general age range (41-50), the average self-reported frequency was 6.8 times a month by the Kinsey Culture Clash: The Making of Gay Sensibility (1984) by Michael volunteers, compared to estimates of about 3 times a month by Bronski is an interesting study of “the dynamics of gay libera- both Pots and Godow’s and our volunteers. Even the estimate tion and homophobia, of change and backlash,” and would be of slightly over once a week given by the high parental com- a useful resource for those exploring the cultural aspects munication group was below that of the self-reports of the involved in the homosexual confrontation and integration Kinsey group volunteers. within twentieth-century American society. This 249-page We remain, then, with one consistent finding through the book ($20.00 hc, $9.00 pb) is published by: South End Press, 302 three studies investigating offsprings’ estimates of their par- Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02116. ents’ coital frequency: We parents apparently make love with about twice the frequency that our children think we do. The Providing Counseling and Advocacy for Disabled Persons Who explanation for this consistent discrepancy has yet to be Have Been Sexually Abused: A Training Manual for RapeCrisis resolved. Pots and Codow discovered the discrepancy, and Center Volunteers is a 1984 publication of the Developmental Zeiss obtained support for an incest taboo explanation both in Disabilities Project of Seattle Rape Relief. The 50-page manual the difference in estimates and in levels of anxiety and depres- includes basic information about mental, physical, and sensorial sion of students estimating parents’ vs. average couples’ coital disabilities,aswellassuggestions,guidelines,and reproducible frequency. We replicated neither of these findings, thus pro- handouts for use in organizing training sessions for volunteers. viding no support for the incest taboo hypothesis. However, It costs $22.00 (plus p/h) and is available from: SRR, 1825 South we did find a relationship between level of communication and Jackson, Suite 102, Seattle, WA 98144.

12 SIECUS Report, March 1985 SUMMER 1985 GRADUATE STUDIES IN HUMAN SEXUALITY AND SEX EDUCATION

Programs are listed alphabetically by state. Announcements arriving too late for this listing will be published in the May 7985 SIECUS Report. See California Family Life Education institute listing for addi- tional courses in Georgia, lowa, New jersey, New Mexico, New York, Jennessee, and Texas.

Arizona New Jersey

University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz. Kean College of New Jersey, Union, N.J. l Hlth 330. Human Sexuality. June5-July11,3 units. Also beinggiven 0 Human Sexuality in family Life Education. July 8-25, 3 credits. July 12-August 14. l Developing and Teaching a family Life Education Program. July Write to: Mrs. Judy Nevin or Ms. Sue Habkink, Health Education 8-25, 3 credits. Department, University of Arizona, 1435 No. Fremont, Tucson, AZ l Family Advocacy. July 8-25, 3 credits. 85719. l Perspectives on the Family With implications for Education. July 8-25, 3 credits. These courses are part of the Summer Institute on Family Life Educa- tion. Students register for two courses, 6 credits. Family life Education Institute, Santa Cruz, Calif. Write to: Dr. Marjorie Kelly, Department of Early Childhood and l Family Life Educator Training. Albuquerque, N. Mex., April Family Studies, Kean College of New Jersey, Union, NJ 07083. 28-May 1; Brownsville, Tex., May 12-16; Knoxville, Tenn., June 2-6; Atlanta, Ca., June 23-27; DesMoines, lowa,July14-18; Mont- Trenton State College, Trenton, N.J. clair, N.J., July 28-August 1; Troy, N.Y., August 11-15. Credit: 2.5 l Topics in family Life and Sex Education. August 5-16, 3 credits. CEUs, 25 hours. Write to: Continuing Education, Trenton State College, Hillwood l Adolescent Sexual Abuse Prevention Training. Albuquerque, N. Lakes, CN 550, Trenton, NJ 08625. Mex., May l-3; Brownsville, Tex., May 16-18; Knoxville, Tenn., June 6-8; Atlanta, Ca., June 27-29; Des Moines, Iowa, July 18-20; UMDNJ-Rutgers Medical School, in cooperation with the UMDNJ- Montclair, N.J., August l-3; Troy, N.Y., August 15-17. Credit: 1.5 Office of Continuing Education, Piscataway, N.J. CEUs, 15 hours. l Understanding Sexuality. June 24-29, 1 hr. P/F, 3 hrs. letter grade. Write to: Training Department, ETR Associates, 1700 Mission Street, Write to: Marcia Kosofsky, MSW, or Patricia C. Sarles, EdS, Depart- Suite 203, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. ment of Environmental and Community Medicine, Box 101, Piscata- way, NJ 08854. National Sex Forum, San Francisco, Calif. l SAR XX/V, #377 (Sexual Attitude Restructuring). June 29-July 6,4 New York units/60 hours. l SAR XXV, #377 (Sexual Attitude Restructuring). August 17-24, 4 Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. units/60 hours. l Health issues and the Sexual Development of Adolescents. July Note: Continuing Education or graduate credit available through 15-19, 1 credit. the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. l Teaching Human Sexuality in Schools and Community Settings. Write to: Rodger Morales, National Sex Forum, 1523 Franklin Street, July 22-26, 1-3 credits. San Francisco, CA 94109. Write to: Andrea Parrot, PhD, Department of Human ServiceStudies, N132 MVR, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. District of Columbia Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y. American University, International Council of Family Health. Washing- l Values in Sexuality. May 23-June 10, 3 semester hours. ton, D.C. l Introduction to Sex Counseling. June 11-25, 3 semester hours. l Advanced Sex Therapy. June 23-28, 3 credits. Write to: Efrem Rosen, PhD, New College, Hofstra University, Hemp- stead, NY 11550. l Sex Education for Trainers and Educators. June 23-28, 3 credits. Write to: Patricia Schiller, Director, 5010 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 304, Washington, DC 20016. New York University, New York, N.Y. l Study Abroad 7985: The Netherlands - Human Sexuality. June 30-August 22,12 credits. Indiana Write to: Deryck Calderwood, PhD, Human Sexuality Program, 715 Broadway, Second Floor, New York, NY 10003. Ball State University, Muncie, Ind. l HSC 567. Health, Sexuality, and Family Life. June IO-July 12, 4 Syracuse University, Syracuse, N.Y. credits. Also being given July 15-August 15. l Sexuality Education for the 80s andBeyond. Annual Workshop on l HSC 563. Sex Education and School Health. July 15-August 15,4 Sexuality. July 8-14,2 or 3 credits. Given at Thornfield Conference credits. Center, Cazenovia Lake, 30 minutes from Syracuse. Write to: Dr. David Marini, Department of Physiology and Health Write to: Summer Session, Syracuse University, 117 College Place, Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306. Syracuse, NY 13210; or to: Alison McCain Deming, Director, 401-A Clinton Street, Fayetteville, NY 13066.

Oregon University of Minnesota, Medical School, Minneapolis, Minn. l Chemica/DependencyandFami/y/ntimacySummer/nstitute. July Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oreg. 14-19, 33 hours, CEU and AMA. l H 467. Sexuality Education. June 24-July 19, 3 credits. Write to: Diane Campbell, Program in Human Sexuality, Research Write to: Margaret M. Smith, EdD, Department of Health, Waldo 321, East Building, 2630 University Avenue, SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414. Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-6406.

SIECUS Report, March 1985 13 Pennsylvania Write to: Kay Frances Schepp, EdD, UVM Counseling and Testing Center, Burlington, VT 05405. Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Pa. l Perspectives in Human Sexuality. June 17-28, 3 credits. l Pyschology for Teaching Sex Education for Disabled People. July Write to: Dr. James R. Barbour, Department of Human Development 29-August 2, 3 credits. Studies, C-150 Living Learning Center, Burlington, VT 05405. Write to: Professor L. B. DeFabo, 246 Stouffer Hall, IUP, Indiana, PA 15705. Wisconsin University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa. l Concepts in Human Sexuality. May 13-17,3 semester hours. Also University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wis. being given May 20-24 and August 12-16. l Education and Sex Role Socialization. June 17-July 11, 3 credits. l Behavioral Foundations of Human Sexuality. May 28-June 3, 3 Also being given July 15-August 8. semester hours. l Child, Adolescent, and Family Psychotherapy. June 17-August 8,3 Write to: Dr. Kenneth D. George, Graduate School of Education, credits. University of Pennsylvania, 3700 Walnut, C-l, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Write to: Susan Disch or Nancy Cebert, UW-Madison Division of Summer Sessions, 433 North Murray Street, Madison, WI 53706. West Chester University, West Chester, Pa. l Human Sexuality Workshop. July lo-16,3 credits. Also being given July 18-24. Write to: Dr. Robert Nye, Health Department, West Chester Univer- Canada sity, West Chester, PA 19383. University of Cuelph, Cuelph, Ontario. Vermont l ‘love, Sex and Intimacy”-7th Annual Sexuality Conference. June 17-l 9. University of Vermont, Burlington, Vt. Write to: Continuing Education, University of Cuelph, Guelph, l Sex Education and Counseling. July 15-29, 3 credits. Ontario NIG 2W1, Canada.

DO YOU KNOW THAT.. . I

Resources to Write for . . . Getting in Touch With Yourself is a37-page, illustrated booklet for mentally disabled women and men to help them learn Sexual Health and Diabetes (1983) by Linda K. Strodtman and about and become comfortable with the sexual parts of their Ralph F. Knopf is a publication of the Michigan Diabetes bodies. The author, Sally S. Miller, also gives information about Research and Training Center. It primarily covers two areas: touching these areas and about masturbation. This booklet, sexual function and dysfunction in men and women with dia- written at a very easy reading level, is available for $5.00 (plus betes, and making decisions about childbearing. Also included $1.50 p/h) from: Sally S. Miller,210Main Street, Flemington, NJ are a glossary and a list of suggested readings. Ten copies of this 08822. 37-page booklet are available for $16.50 (plus p/h) from: Publi- cations Distribution Service, 839 Greene Street, P.O. Box 1104, Sexuality Education for American Youth: Abstracts from Jour- Ann Arbor, Ml 48106. nal literature, 1979-1982, edited by David R. Stronk, is a bibli- ography of 115 articles compiled from 39 sources. Each citation Educators Handbook (1984), edited by Debra Haffner for is fully annotated and gives the address of the author or pub- Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, is intended lisher. The nine chapters of this 75-page 1983 book cover: the as a useful reference for sexuality educators across the nation. development of teenagers’ knowledge and attitudes, parents It includes PPMW’s flexible modules for educational presenta- and their children’s sexuality, teenage mothers and fathers, tions on contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, male adolescent contraceptive use and pregnancy risk, sexuality sexuality, and parents as sex educators. The handbook also education in school and non-school settings, guidelines for contains guidelines on working with the media, marketing sexuality education in the schools, evaluation of programs, and education programs, and generating revenue. The back- barriers to sexuality education. It is available for $10.00 (plus $1.50 ground section includes fact sheets and recommendations for p/h) from: Network Publications: 1700 Mission Street, Suite print and audio-visual resources. To order, send $12.00 203, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. (includes p/h) to: Resource Center, PPMW, 1108 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036. Caring, loving, and Sexuality: Using Skills to Make Tough Choices (1984) by Gilda Gussin, Ann Buxbaum, and Nicholas Guidelines and Recommendations for Healthful Gay Sexual Danforth is designed to prepare teenagers to make responsible Activity is now available from the National Coalition of Gay decisions about sex. This 83-page curriculum and workbook Sexually Transmitted DiseaseServices in a fourth (1984) edition. presents important basic facts about reproduction, birth con- This eight-page flyer gives a brief description of a number of trol, the hazards of teenage pregnancy, and where to get help. sexually transmitted diseases common to gay men, followed by Keeping their goals and values in mind, adolescents learn to suggested guidelines which are based on both common sense define their personal rules for relationships and sexual behav- and current understanding about the occurrence and trans- ior. They then practice strategies for dealing with pressures for mission of infections. Finally there is a questionnaire with self- intimacy and fulfilling their needs for loving and caringwithout rating chart for individual gay men to use to estimate if they are relying on sexual activity. The Student’s Handbook is priced at at low, medium, or high risk of developing an STD. To obtain $6.95 and the Teacher/Leader’s Guide at $8.95 (plus $3.OOp/h). this flyer, send $1.00 to: NCCSTDS, P.O. Box 239, Milwaukee, They may be ordered from: Management Sciences for Health, WI 53201-0239. Bulk rates are available. 165 Allandale Road, Boston, MA 02130.

14 SIECUS Report, March 1985 I I

IjAUDIO-VISUAL REVIEWS 1 I

Members of the Audio-Visual Review triggering discussion among both boys that, since it is so vital that boys and men Panel for this issue were: Sara Avni, and girls about adolescent male sexual- learn to be nurturing, this is an impor- graduate student, Human Sexuality Pro- ity. Sex educators looking for a film to tant and unique resource for sex educa- gram, New York University; Martha D. use in exploring this subject matter tors to use for consciousness-raising and Calderwood, MA, University of Medi- should therefore preview this one to see permission-giving in this area. Some felt cine and Dentistry of New )ersey; Rita if it meets their needs. El, LT, P, PR that by using only boys the film might Cotter/y, MEd, MRE, doctoralcandidate, give a message that girls naturally know Human Sexuality Program, New York how to care for babies and don’t need Oh, Boy! Babies! 1983,16 mm or video, University; Neal Fawcett, sexuality edu- instruction. Actually the film was made 30 min. Purchase, $500 (16 mm), $400 cator and consultant; Leigh Hallingby, that way because the students in the (video); rental, $50. Learning Corpora- MSW, MS, Manager, SIECUS Informa- real-life class on which it is based were tion of America, 1350 Avenue of the tion Service and Mary 5. Calderone all boys. At any rate, this is a charming, Americas, New York, NY 10102; (212) Library; lean Levitan, PhD, Assistant Pro- well-acted, both effective and affective 397-9330. fessor, Health Science, William Paterson film which may meet the needs of some College; Pat Criscitiello Murphy, MSW, Originally shown on television, this sex educators. C, ET, LT, A, P, PR psychotherapist in private practice and film is based on an award-winning book President, Princeton Seminars, Inc.; Alex of the same title by Alison Cragin Herzig When Teens Get Pregnant. 1982,16 mm, Sareyan, President, Mental Health and Jane Lawrence Mali, which in turn 18 min. Purchase, $395; rental, $40. Poly- Materials Center; and Linda Schwarz, was inspired by an actual infant-care morph Films, 118 South Street, Boston, Education Departmenr, PlannedParent- class for sixth-grade boys in a private MA 02111; (617) 542-2004. hood Federation of America. The school in New York City. We follow a reviews were written by f eigh Hailingby. multi-ethnic group of fairly upper In this film, five young women-two middle-class boys who decide to take black, two white, and one Hispanic-tell their school’s infant-care elective course poignant stories about their lives before What Guys Want. 1983, 16 mm, 16 min. and in the process experience consider- pregnancy, their families, school, peer Purchase, $395; rental, $40. Polymorph able teasing from their peer group. Var- pressure to have sex, the reality as Films, 118 South Street, Boston, MA ious class sessions cover such tasks as opposed to the fantasy of sex, thediffer- 02111; (617) 542-2004. feeding, diapering, bathing, undressing ences between their own and their Here we meet four male teenagers- and dressing, holding, and playing with partners’ needs and expectations, and two white, one black, and one Hispanic babies. how their pregnancies have changed -who share some of their attitudes and A subplot has been added so that the their lives. One of the girls met a man experiences about their masculinity and program focuses on one boy who lives who “introduced her to the joys of their sexual behavior. The first one is with his mother, stepfather, and new womanhood” and then abandoned her. “always out to have a good time” and baby brother. At the beginning of the Another, also abandoned by her boy- feels that, as far as women are con- show he is quite hostile toward his half friend, wanted a baby because she was cerned, “there are many fish in thesea.” brother and stepfather, but after being attracted to her sister’s baby who went The second married the first girl who did in the infant-care class, he develops a around saying “I love you.” A third is not reject him. The third started sex at new appreciation of the relationships he expecting twins and plans to give them age 12 and became a teenage father. The can enjoy with both. There are also up for adoption. A married 18-year-old last one feels that preventing pregnancy attempts by some of the boys to resolve does not know how she’ll manage to is mainly the girl’s responsibility. In their feelings about their fathers’ having care for her new baby with her 17- between interviews a female narrator left them, and they determine that they month-old at home. A narrator explains adds some “preachy” remarks. will never do such a thing. the outcome of each pregnancy and The panel had a mixed reaction to this The panel was unanimous in agreeing how each young woman was getting film. Some were bothered by a poor that Oh, Boy! Babies! is an excellent tele- along in early motherhood. sound track and by the narrator’s com- vision program, with good production, This film is similar in format to What ments which did not seem adequately entertainment, and educational values. Guys Want, also reviewed in this issue. tied into what the boys said and which, The members disagreed, however, on The producers actually intended that by their value-laden tone, made the film how useful the film would be for sex they be used together. Of the two, the less open-ended. Others felt that it educators. Some felt that it basically panel preferred this film, partly because would nevertheless be a useful film for belongs on television and others believe the participants and their stories were

Audience Level Indicators: C-Children (elementary grades), ET-Early teens (junior high), LT-Lateteens (senior high), A-College, general adult public, P-Parents, PR-Professionals.

SIECUS Report, March 1985 15 more engaging, and partly because birth preparation class for teenage raise the consciousness of both the care- there was no “preachy” narration in mothers and their male or female givers and the patients about what type between interviews. When Teens Get coaches reviews labor and delivery, of care might be possible. ET, LT, PR Pregnant is recommended as a con- gives common indications for having a sciousness-raiser and discussion-starter cesarean section, and demonstrates on issues of adolescent sexuality and breathing and relaxation exercises. The pregnancy. It is especially valuable for final scene shows a teenage couple par- If You Want to Dance. 1983, 16 mm or pointing out the shortsightedness of ticipating in their baby’s birth in a hospi- video, 14 min. Purchase, $325 (16 mm), adolescents and their inability to see tal setting. All of this takes place in an $295 (video); rental $40. New Dimension future negative consequences of pres- almost ideal environment where there is Films, 85895 Lorane Highway, Eugene, ent decisions. The young women in it an accepting attitude toward teen preg- OR 97405; (503) 484-7125. are memorable, real people whose sto- nancy and where the staff, all women, This film begins in a locker room with ries cannot fail to have an impact. ET, LT, are extremely helpful to and supportive three high school boys discussing their A, P, PR of the patients. differing views about responsibility for One flaw in the film is that the young sexual behavior with girls and possible woman at the beginning who is register- pregnancy. The scene then shifts to a Hope Is Not aMethod III. 1984,16 mm or ing for prenatal care is already 22 weeks hospital room where Chris, the girl- video, 22 min. Purchase, $450; rental, into her pregnancy. Nothing is said friend of Jeff (one of the boys in the first $45. Perennial Education, 930 Pitner about this being rather late to begin, and scene), is recuperating after having deli- Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202; (800) 323- a moderator would need to stress the vered a baby. She is talkingwith another 9084. importance of registering in the first tri- mester. Otherwise, this film seems like patient, a beleaguered 18-year-old who has just had her second baby and whose This film, oriented toward young sin- an excellent one for orienting pregnant gle people, covers the spectrum of avail- adolescents to prenatal care, hospital boyfriend has left her. In the final scene, able birth control methods, including procedures, delivery stages, and birth. Jeff is visiting Chris and his two locker the latest additions-the sponge and the Unfortunately, the “TLC” given to the room friends arrive to find the couple cervical cap. Also covered are the pill, young women in the film probably far arguing about whether she will give the IUD, condom, foam, natural family plan- exceeds that which most of them would baby up for adoption and about who was responsible for the pregnancy. Jeff ning, abortion, and sterilization. For the get in real life in hospital clinics. But most part the factual information pre- perhaps seeing this film will serve to storms out of the hospital, triggering a sented is accurate. The graphics, while conversation between his two friends not especially appealing, offer useful once again about male responsibility. explanations of how each method Choices: Because of the overwhelmingly nega- works. tive images it presents, this film, like To the panel’s knowledge, this is the In Sexuality with ,many others on teenage pregnancy, only film that covers, one by one, all the could be accused of using scare tactics modern methods of birth control. As Physical Disability for prevention. It is unlike many of the such it is a vital contribution to the (16 mm & VideolColorlhO Mins.) others, however, in two major respects. audio-visual resources available to pro- Produced for: First, it is an ideal length to allow plenty fessionals in the fields of family planning Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine of time for discussion. (Would that all New York University Medical Center and sex education. The panel felt that it filmmakers for the adolescent market Joan L. Bardach Ph.D., Project Director would be most useful in a clinic setting Frank Padrone Ph.D., C&Director would limit themselves to the 15-20 min- for giving information to patients wait- ute range!) Second, it is open-ended- ing to see the medical staff. For a class- .Choices is a film which can be used we never learn whether Chris decides to room setting, a three-dimensional le and time again in rehabilitation keep the baby or give it up. Certainly, presentation with a birth control kit :ilities human sexuality programs and the film will stimulate useful discussion. would probably be more dynamic. ET, any group where issues of sexual in- A drawback which may limit its range of LT, A, P, PR action and adjustment.to a disability usefulness is that all the characters are 2 being discussed. If both parts cannot white. ET, ,lT, A, P, PR purchased, Part 1 is a tremendously sod discussion starter and should not Teens Having Babies. 1983, 16 mm, 20 missed. min. Purchase, $395; rental, $40. Poly- m Soy/e, Coordinator: Reproductive Health morph Films, 118 South Street, Boston, cl Disabilities Program of the Margaret Have a Healthy Baby: labor and Deliv- MA 02111; (617) 542-2004. Iger Center of Planned Parenthood. NYC. ery (Revised). 1984, 16 mm or video, 29 min. Purchase, $475 (16 mm), $380 Teens Having Babies shows adoles- (video); rental, $50. Churchill Films, 662 cents attending a special Young Mothers North Robertson Boulevard, Los An- Clinic for prenatal care which includes: geles, CA 90069-9990; (213) 657-5110. a medical history; a pelvic examination, demonstrations of uterine growth and ercury Productions This superb film is the second of a fetal development; advice concerning ’ West 45 Street, NYC 10036 two-part series which beginswith Have a nutrition, smoking, drugs, and alcohol; 12) 869-4073 Healthy Baby: Pregnancy(coveringcon- and a social service interview. A child- ception, intra-uterine development,

16 SlECUS Report, March 1985 and prenatal care). In this presentation hygiene habits, proper nutrition, and Whereas such films as Am I Norma/? on labor and delivery, we follow two plenty of exercise is emphasized. The and Dear Diary make the learning expe- very appealing couples through the factual material is interspersed with rience an enjoyable one, these films birth process. A black couple having shots of pubescent children running, definitely do not. The two cited above their first child experience the birth in a playing ball, starting to date, going to a or the curriculum on New Methods hospital with all the trappings and party, and talking together. of Puberty Education from Planned procedures of modern medicine, includ- Unfortunately, especially given the Parenthood of Northwest New Jer- ing shaving, enema, I.V.,and episiotomy. wide distribution they are likely to sey are far preferable to these three The Hispanic/Caucasian couple (having receive in the schools, there is much to lackluster presentations. Children deal- their fourth child) have opted for “natu- criticize in these films. For instance, the ing with all the physical and emotional ral” child birth at a birthing center. graphics are uninspiring and are not changes of puberty surely deserve some- Excellent narration and animation com- labeled. The view presented of acne is thing better. ET, P, PR plement the live sequences, explaining, simplistic, implying that using soap and with just the right balance between tech- water and eating the proper foods will nicality and simplicity, the effacement of solve the problem. The handling of sexu- Treating Vaginismus. 1984, 16 mm or the cervix, discharge of the mucous ality is especially disappointing, and one video, 30 min. Purchase, $495 (16 mm), plug, breaking of the water bag, various gets the impression that the material $420 (video); rental, $75. Multi-Focus, stages of labor, and the birth process covered has been “sanitized” for accep- 333 West 52nd Street, New York, NY itself. tance in the public schools. Sex and 10019; (800) 821-0514. Both fathers, one experienced and the reproduction are more or less equated. other obviously nervous about this first- There is no discussion of the growth of This unique film is a valuable addition time event, serve as fine models of the penis, and the graphic used to illus- to the audio-visuals made for sex thera- coaching and nurturing partners, and trate ejaculation does not include the pists and their patients. Viewers are both couples display a great deal of head of the penis. Wet dreams are men- introduced to a middle-class, suburban tender, touching interaction. The film tioned but not described. Orgasm and white woman with vaginismus who, presents a good balance between the masturbation are mentioned in the film accompanied by her husband, pro- anxiety, frustration, and exhaustion of for males and in the combined film but gresses through an initial examination labor and the excitement and joy of not in the one for females. The clitoris is by a gynecologist, a referral to and con- birth. The panel was unanimous in its described only as “a very sensitive sultations with a sex therapist, and a pro- feeling that this is one of the best birth- organ.” gram of home exercises done alone and ing films ever made and hopes that it with her husband, ultimately reaching receives the widest distribution among the goal of successful intercourse. The all types of audiences from early teens therapy approach involves deep relaxa- onward. ET, LT, A, P, PR tion exercises for the whole body, con- scious contracting and relaxing of the vaginal opening, insertion of gradually larger dildos into the vagina, and even- tual insertion of the husband’s penis. The Boy to Man (Revised). 1984, 16 mm or A new 12 minute film for video, .I5 min. Purchase, $310; rental, children and adults which role of the sex therapist is effectively played by Joseph LoPiccolo who is well $40. Girl to Woman (Revised). 1984, 16 provides the basic vocabulary known in the field. Some of the other mm or video, I7 min. Purchase, $340; needed to discuss HUMAN rental, $40; Then One Year (Revised). acting, however, is a bit stilted. The film highlights a number of 1984,16 mm or video, 20 min. Purchase, SEXUALIn! REPRODUC- $390 (16 mm), $350 (video); rental, $40. TION AND SEXUAL ABUSE important points which can help en- courage and reassure both new and Churchill Films, 662 North Robertson AWARENESS! Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90069-9990; ongoing patients. For example, it shows (213) 657-5110. that neither partner is “at fault” and that pjz$%q the wife’s vaginismus may actually be These films deal primarily with the related to the repressive attitudes physiological changes which take place Mary S. Calderone, MD, MPH toward sex with which she was raised (as in boys and girls at the onset of adoles- revealed in her sex history). We also see cence. The first two separate the infor- Co-founder and former presi- that the woman initially has doubts mation by gender, and the third combines dent of “SIECUS” about whether her therapy will be suc- information on both sexes. Dealing first cessful and that occasional setbacks can with variations in height and weight, 1@f multi-fotu8 inc. occur. The reassuring quality of the ther- they move to the changes in body hair, apist and the supportive nature of the body contour, and skin, and then to the husband add to the film’s strength. Any phenomena of glandular changes and individual or couple dealing with vagi- sexual and reproductive maturation. nismus would surely find the film Individual differences, such as those in extremely informative. The panel was rates of growth, onset of maturity and very impressed. Would that there were menstrual cycles, are stressed as being equally fine films on each of the major normal variants. The need for good sexual dysfunctions! A, PR

SIECUS Report, March 1985 17 DO YOU KNOW THAT 1a m

World Congress Papers Published Sexual Awareness: Enhancing Sexual Pleasure (1984; 240 pp.) by Barry and Emily McCarthy is a revised and expanded paper- Selected papers from the Fifth and Sixth World Congresses of back edition of a 1978 book by these authors. The text and Sexology are now available in book form as part of a newseries exercises encourage the healthy expression of sexuality in a entitled Sexual Medicine. Volume I, International Research in positive, loving relationship. It is priced at $9.95 and was pub- Sexology, edited by Harold I. Lief (Series Editor) and Zwi Hoch, lished by: Carrol and Graf, Inc., 260 Fifth Avenue, New York, presents 27 papers from the 1981 Congress held in Jerusalem. NY 10001. Volume II, Emerging Dimensions of Sexology, edited by R. Taylor Segraves and Erwin J. Haeberle, contains 35 papers from A Woman’s Guide to Sexually Transmitted Diseases is pre- the 1983 Washington, D.C. Congress. Each of these 1984 hard- sented in the October 1984 issue of Second Opinion, the cover books is priced at $40.00. Orders should be sent to: monthly newsletter of the Coalition for the Medical Rights of Praeger Publishers, 521 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10175. Women. The eight pages include reports on chlamydia, herpes, and pelvic inflammatory disease, as well as a summary NAF Annual Meeting of the common STDs. For a single copy ($1.00) or for more information about the coalition and its work, writeto: CMRW, The 9th Annual Meeting of the National Abortion Federation 2845 24th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110. will be held June 9-12, 1985, in Boston, Massachusetts. The theme will be “Abortion: A Moral Choice.” For further infor- mation, write: NAF, 900 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington, Cay and Gray: The Older Homosexual Man by Raymond M. DC 20003. Berger, a useful resource on this topic originally reviewed in the November 1982 S/ECUS Report, is now available in paper- back (233 pp.). Priced at $7.95, it is published by: Alyson Publi- Journal Call for Papers cations, 40 Plympton Street, Boston, MA 02118. For mail orders, The journal Marriage and Family Review has announced a add $1.00 p/h. special issue to be devoted to the topic of “Deviance and the Family,” edited by Dr. Marvin B. Sussman, editor-in-chief of What Are They Teaching Our Children? (154 each) is one of the journal, and Dr. Frank E. Hagan. Some suggested areas of three new pamphlets available from Planned Parenthood of inquiry include: violence in the family (e.g., sexual abuse of Santa Barbara. It is designed to clear up confusion and allay children and spouse abuse); the role of the family in such areas fears that parents may have about sex education classes, aswell as sexual deviance, drug abuse, and mental illness; and crisis as to invite them to get involved in the sexuality education of intervention and family therapy. Proposals for articles should their children. Parents as lovers (2Oq each) explores myths, be sent to Frank Hagan, PhD, Graduate Program in Criminal facts, and commonly shared sexual concerns and feelings Justice Administration, Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA 16501. regarding sexuality for both partners during pregnancy and after childbirth. I Never Thought It Could Happen to Me (15~ Child Sexual Abuse Conference each), directed toward teenage males, is an amusing yet informative and serious look at the reality of unprotected inter- The interdisciplinary conference on Child Sexual Abuse origi- course, teenage fatherhood, and contraception. All three can nally planned for January 16-17 at Fordham University School be purchased from: PPSB, 518Carden Street, SantaBarbara, CA of Law in New York City has been rescheduled for March 28-29, 93101. Bulk prices are available. 1985. For registration details, call (212) 340-0445. How to Raise a Street Smart Child (1984) by Grace Hechinger, Resources to Write for . . . subtitled “The Complete Parent’s Guide to Safety on the Street and at Home,” presents practical suggestions on how to teach Sex: The Facts, the Acts and Your Feelings by Michael Carrera, children to take precautions against potential danger without originally published in 1981 by Crown Publishers, is now avail- generating fear and paranoia. A section on sexual abuse is able from: Avant-Garde, 251 West 57th Street, New York, NY included. This 160-page book is priced at $14.95 and is pub- 10019. It is priced at $14.00. lished by: Facts on File, 460 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016. The Joan Davies Family life Update, a four-page periodical issued monthly from September through June, is designed to Black Lesbian in White America (1983) by Anita Cornwell pre- provide professionals with information about current methods sents a selection of the work of this pioneer activist, feminist, and materials for teaching sex and family life education to and journalist, dating from 1970 to 1980. It includes essays, special education students. Volume II (1984-85) will feature letters, and chapters of autobiographical writing describing, in books, games, films, teaching tips, curriculum ideas, lesson her direct and open style, what it was like to come out as a plans, and a question/answer forum. For a one-year subscrip- young black lesbian in the 1950s. This paperback is priced at tion, send $15.00 to: Joan Davies Associates, 98 Southview $7.50 (plus 15% p/h) and may be ordered from: The Naiad Terrace North, Middletown, NJ 07748. Press, P.O. Box 10543, Tallahassee, FL 32302.

18 SIECUS Report, March 1985 -BOOK REVIEWS

Sex and the Bible. Gerald Larue. Buffalo, tionships that exists today. The very fact New Testament made by Saint Paul. N.Y.: Prometheus Books, 1983 (173 pp.; that the Bible has so much to say in this Scroggs also touches upon recent dis- $9.95). area indicates the wide range of sexual cussion of Old Testament references to practices, attitudes, and community homosexuality, underlining the diver- Reviewed by Keith Ignatius, DMin, Edu- concerns that existed among those sity of views about the significance of cational Ministries, American Baptist ancient people. It is apparent that we passages in Deuteronomy 23:17-18, Churches; member, S/ECUS Board of have not changed very much in the last Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, Genesis 19, Directors. 3,000 years. and Judges 19. Why should we care what the Bible has This otherwise admirable book is In his focus on the New Testament and to say about homosexuality, transvest- slightly flawed by Larue’s preoccupation Pauline understanding of homosexual- ism, circumcision, surrogate parents, with ultra-conservative groups such as ity, Scroggs takes a long look at the testicles? Gerald Larue gives us one the Moral Majority. In my opinion, he homosexual patterns of the Greco- important reason. His book, Sex and the includes too many references to the Roman world. Reviewing records of Bible, is based on the premise that the negative impact these particular groups such practices and of other non-biblical Bible has been and continues to be a have had and not enough to the many Jewish and Christian writers of the New pervasive influence in people’s under- positive contributions that have been Testament era, he discovers that there standing of human sexuality. Regardless made within the entire framework of are two general understandings of of whether or not one believes in the Christianity and Judaism. This is not to homosexuality as it existed then. The authority of the Bible, one cannot say, however, that I disliked the book. It first object of disapproval was pederasty escape its impact-individually and was interesting reading and would be -the sexual relationship between older societally. Our Western culture has useful in group discussions with people men and young boys as practiced from been shaped and continues to be struggling with their own sense of sexual before the time of Socrates on into the affected by the interests and concerns identity, as well as for those seeking to New Testament era by upper-classGreek rising out of the Christian and Judaic add another dimension to their under- and Roman males. The second disap- religions, both of which are firmly standing of the wide variety of sexual proval was against the practice of hete- rooted in the Bible. No other ancient attitudes and practices prevalent in rosexual persons carrying out homosex- document affects our individual and today’s society. A, PR ual activity. The latter was seen to be group lives with such direct and subtle contrary to their “nature.” Scroggs force. Therefore, if we are to deal crea- points out that homosexual prostitution tively, holistically, and responsibly with was still another part of the social scene the current questions of human sexual- The New Testament and Homosexuality. to which both Jews and Christians ity, we should care about what the Bible Robin Scroggs. Philadelphia: Fprtress objected. says. Press, 1983 (158 pp.; $14.95). On the basis of such an analysis, Larue describes his book as “an Scroggs states: “The conclusion I have to Reviewed by Robert M. Davidson, Pas- attempt to look at many of the ideas draw seems inevitable: Biblical judge- tor, West-Park Presbyterian Church, about human sexuality in the Bible. . . ments against homosexuality are not New York, N.Y.; member, Presbyterian utilizing methods and insights from relevant to today’s debate. . . . What the Task Force on Homosexuality. literary, historical, and cultural studies.” New Testament was against was the In discussing each of approximately 30 In the often highly heated polemical image of homosexuality as pederasty topics, he takes us back to the biblical debate concerning the morality of and primarily here its more sordid and view and then moves to a commentary homosexuality, the teachings of the dehumanizing dimensions.” He con- on how those images still impinge on Bible are used time and again as ammu- cludes by emphasizing that, while the our culture and have an impact on our nition to attack lesbian and gay sexual specific biblical injunctions are irrele- individual lives. He handles the material practices. Dr. Scroggs, New Testament vant, the major themes of the New with brevity and clarity, as well as with professor at Chicago Theological Semi- Testament-love, compassion, God’s sound biblical scholarship. Except in nary, has provided some in-depth analy- grace-can provide a background for those areas where human worth is sis of biblical (especially New Testament) discussion concerning the morality of degraded and demeaned, he makes no references to homosexuality that give a homosexual lifestyles. judgment as to what one should believe different perspective. For those willing to carry on a search and practice. Since the four gospels record not a for the truth, this study of one aspect of Reading between the lines of the bib- word from Jesus about homosexuality, Gentile life of the New Testament lical records, we see the same kind of major attention in this book is directed period will be helpful. For those who struggle with sexuality and human rela- to references to homosexuality in the comb the scriptures seeking to find pas-

Audience Level Indicators: C-Children (elementary grades), ET-Early teens (junior high), LT-Late teens (senior high), A-College, general adult public, P-Parents, PR-Professionals.

SIECUS Report, March 1985 19 sages that will support an already in religion, in the increasing acceptance book without engaging the beautiful adopted homophobia, the data and of varied sexual lifestyles, and in thesex- presence of an obviously sexually analysis will be disappointing. (Such per- positive views of many contemporary vibrant person of 82 years. Rabbi Fein- sons have sometimes been described as theologians. Feinberg’s ideal is “the berg is himself a remarkable demonstra- using the Bible the way a drunk uses a integration of sexual powers into the tion of his main thesis. I should like to lamp post-for support rather than total personality so that the erotic urge meet him. A, PR illumination.) While Scroggs takes no can serve and invigorate the spiritual personal stand on the morality of homo- urge, to reach union in love with a sexual lifestyles, he does make clear that human being and with God.” He argues none of the biblical passages in the New for a rational and tolerant sexual code in Sexuality. Letha Dawson Scanzoni. One Testament is discussing a loving, long- religion, a code which neither confines of a 12-book series entitled Choices: term sexual relationship between per- sexual intimacy to marriage nor blesses Guides for Today’s Woman. Philadel- sons of the same sex. Also helpful are the promiscuity. phia: The Westminster Press, 1984 (120 appendices, including one that seeks to All of this is to the good. Yet the book pp.; $6.95 paper). gain some limited insight into the near has its frustrations. It tends to be wordy total silence of the Bible and the scant and the language sometimes seems Reviewed by Mary 5. Calderone, MD, record in Greco-Roman writings on les- dramatically contrived. Some of the his- MPH, Adjunct Professor, Human Sexu- ality Program, Health Education Depart- bian activity. torical data are not quite accurate. ment, New York University; co-founder Scroggs makes an effective case for Further, while convinced of the right- and former president of S/ECUS. removing the New Testament as an ness and urgency of the feminist cri- authoritative weapon against homosex- tique, the author too frequently reverts There are those who are convinced that uality in order that the discussion may to masculinist language and imagery and to be a professing Christian is automati- center on whether or not homosexual to unfortunate sex-role stereotypes. cally to be anti-sexual. Others are relationships can be responsible, loving, But if the book’s sins are present, its equally sure that if a self-professed and caring. A, PR virtues abound even more. It is a very believer writes about sex the result is personal document and the reader feels bound to be stodgy, preachy, and indi- the author genuinely present in its gestible. Both groups are mistaken, as pages. There are numerous sections of are those agnostics who tend to be over- Sex and thePulpit.Abraham L. Feinberg. striking personal candor. There is a sure that they alone know how to deal Toronto, Ontario: Methuen, Inc., 1981; vigorous sense of conviction without with values in terms that are human distributed in U.S. by Speak Out, P.O. arrogance. And one cannot read the rather than anti-human. Let all such Box 7720, Reno, NV 89510 (318 pp.; people read Letha Scanzoni’s 120-page $12.95). book and be happily surprised by its charm, wit, grace, intelligence, wisdom, Reviewed by lames B. Nelson, PhD, ABOUT YOUR SEXUALITY and sterling values. United Theological Seminary of the by deryck calderwood Scanzoni has a way with words. Early Twin Cities, New Brighton, Minn.; on she remarks that pairing is not as author, Embodiment: An Approach to The revised edition of our Multi- media Program for adolescents mandatory as most teenagers and even Sexuality and Christian Theology (7978); is now available for churches, adults seem to believe, for, in truth, “not member, S/ECUS Board of Directors. schools, and agencies. to be paired is not to be impaired”! This is a remarkable, exhilarating, and WHAT IS NEW? Dead on for a bull’s-eye. She presents a deeply encouraging book, albeit some- All units revised with new sections broad series of one- and two-paragraph what uneven and occasionally frustrat- added, including one on abortion. vignettes illustrating how women differ- ing. It was written at the age of 82 by a More activities to better enable ently experience various aspects of their distinguished rabbi widely known in the internalization of material for sexual selves in daily life, and then ana- U.S. and Canada for his religious and responsible decision-making. lyzes the validities and non-validities of peace leadership. WHAT IS THE SAME? these differences in short pithy para- Feinberg’s thesis is not new but it is Goals, methodology, and assump- graphs. In Chapter 3 she skillfully and very important: Sex is God’s gift for tions about human sexuality which pointedly differentiates between Old human happiness and ought to be so underlie the course. Testament Jewish attitudes and Christian affirmed and celebrated by organized Strong recommendation for leader- attitudes about the sexual lives and religion. Instead, the record of religion ship training. rights of wives. This is particularly effec- in the West-mainly that of Christianity Parent education and a process tive because, instead of taking a polemi- but also, to some extent, of Judaism- for this. cal approach, she makes her points has been largely sex-negative. With the through thoughtful consideration of the WHAT DOES IT COST? questions. She states flatly here that outspoken vigor of a biblical prophet, $275.00 Additional Leaders the author unmasks the sexual fears, Packet: $25.00. Postage added. “sexual shame and the denial of female ignorance, and hypocrisy of numerous Send for special Order Form. sexuality do not originate in the Bible at religious leaders over the centuries and all,” and that “our true theological herit- into the present. Yet he finds ample rea- ABOUT YOUR SEXUALITY age in sexual matters has been clouded Unitarian Universalist Association son for hopefulness-particularly in the 25 Beacon Street over by erroneous ideas without any women’s movement, in gay/lesbian lib- Boston, MA02108 basis in biblical ideals.” eration, in the growing recognition of (617)742-2100 In Chapter 4 she points out that, the bitter fruits of pervasive male sexism regarding sexual values and decision

20 SIECUS Report, March 1985 making, the words “one flesh” encom- highlighting the latest research findings 49,000 students. Of the 2,436 autobiogra- pass many aspects of human relation- and giving precautions and practical phies, 61% were by women. The class ships besides the literal one. In Chapter suggestions to expectant parents. Sim- assignment, to write a sexual autobio- 5 she discusses masturbation and homo- ilar helpful information is provided graphy, was “optional.” Students were sexuality and their significance in our about sexual relations during the post- encouraged to think about their own sex and other times. Her wisdom in Chapter partum period, with the basic approach lives in the context of objective findings 7 can help us clarify our judgments and being that “anything is fine, as long as it of sex researchers and write about their feelings in the present critical dilemmas feels comfortable.” Contraceptive meth- feelings rather than about the actual epi- relating to the sexual violences of rape ods are described, giving advantages sodes involved. Segal reports that and incest. and disadvantages depending on the although many students were initially All in all, this small book is so easy to needs and health of the individual reluctant to participate, the majority read and, at the same time, so valuable woman (e.g., whether or not she is took the risk and felt that it was a reward- that it could and should be made availa- breastfeeding). Child development, ing experience. He noted that students ble for discussion in high school and care, feeding, and parenting tips are still believe many of the sexual myths; college classes. The many powerful practical and reassuring. that a good proportion wondered why insights and firm yet sensitive values it Each of the 12 chapters lists sources for they had not been given more sex infor- offers could provide young and old alike additional information on the topics dis- mation at an earlier age; and that “Am I with opportunities to hone their own cussed, and the appendices provide normal?” was a question that frequently thinking about sex and sexuality today. names and descriptions of organiza- came through. Indeed, the book would be an ideal tions, government resources, and jour- Segal, now on the graduate faculty of take-off point for family conversations nals, and tips on how to do your own the Department of Health Education at about this all-absorbing and important research. The Maternity Sourcebook is Temple University, has managed to col- topic. LT, A, P, PR filled with tables, lists, and charts, ena- lect a lot of data that should be useful to bling the authors to pack the maximum sex educators as reference material on amount of information between its students’ attitudes about particular sub- covers. jects. However, it is important to keep in The Maternity Sourcebook: 230 Basic Wendy and Matthew Lesko have writ- mind that the population represented in Decisions for Pregnancy, Birth, and Baby ten a straightforward, sensible, and very this study does not reflect a crosssection Care. Wendy and Matthew Lesko. New useful guide for parents. Most impor- of the total student bodies sampled. York: Warner Books, 1984 (467 pp.; tantly, they treat their readers as intelli- This book inadvertently seems to sup- $10.95 paper). gent individuals who are eminently port the myth that all college students capable of making informed decisions are very sexually active and are having Reviewed by Diony Young, BA, consum- about all the issues relating to preg- indiscriminate sex. According to the stu- er advocate and educator in maternal nancy, birth, and their child. A, P, PR dies I have read, there are still a lot of health; consultant to the international college students who have not had inter- Childbirth Education Association; author, course and, of those that have, most are Changing Childbirth: Family Birth in the monogamous. It is true that the percen- Hospital (7982). The Sex lives of College Students. Jay tage of those who have had intercourse The Maternity Sourcebook is an extreme- Segal. Wayne, Pa.: Miles Standish Press, has increased since the ’20s through the ly comprehensive resource guide for 1984 (499 pp.; $3.95 paper). ’60s a period during which premarital expectant and new parents. Divided into coitus among college women ranged Reviewed by Pat Murphy, MSW, psy- three parts entitled ‘Your Pregnancy,” from 15% to 20%, while male rates chotherapist, Rutgers The State Univer- “Your Ninth Month and Childbirth,” hovered around 50% to 60%. In the late sity, New Brunswick, N.]. and “Your First Year Together,” it suc- ’60s a change became evident when the ceeds admirably in presenting the pros This 499-page book is an attempt to pre- gap between men and women began to and cons of medical management and sent the sexual attitudes, experiences, close and by 1972 the coital rates for practices from the beginning of preg- and conflicts of college students of the both men and women appeared to be nancy to the end of the child’s first year. 70s and 80s. It is primarily a collection of 70% in some of the universities sampled. Readers can easily find their way excerpts from the sexual autobiogra- My own research at a large eastern uni- around the book and obtain whatever phies of students who took Dr. Segal’s versity in 1979 revealed that over one background information they need. elective university courses over a 12- third of the women had never had inter- Care practices, procedures, and tech- year period and covers students’ “feel- course and neither had more than one nologies are clearly explained, benefits ing” responses, in their own words, to a fifth of the men. Perhaps even more sig- and risks are outlined, and options are wide variety of experiences such as: nificant, however, were the sexual activ- presented. Women are given important orgasm, masturbation, loss of virginity, ity data from both my 1979 study and a facts to help them decide who will be touching, petting, sexual games, dating, follow-up in 1984 which showed that their birth practitioner and baby physi- turn-ons, turn-offs, oral sex, and sexual over 50% of both males and females did cian, where their baby should be born, fantasy. not currently have a sex partner, and and what type of birth is right for them. The respondents are from five univer- more than 80% of those who did were They are told the questions to ask and sities in diverse sections of the country monogamous. factors to weigh, and are encouraged to where the author taught courses in Thus this book is not a source of make their own decisions. Human Sexuality and Family Life Educa- authoritative statistics on the sex lives of Sexual activity during pregnancy is tion. All five were large city or state uni- college students. What it does provide is comprehensively and frankly discussed, versities, with enrollments of 16,000 to a sampling of their attitudes and feelings

SIECUS Report, March 1985 21 about specific sexuality experiences, ing procedure, or by failing to ask for they assume negative stereotypic sex presented in a rich narrative framework. additional support when inadequacies roles this becomes part of what prevents A, PR within the initiating agency are obvious. them from being open and verbal about This is a national scandal that has long their victimization. My use of the term plagued the field of law enforcement. negative is not based on the conven- Child Pornography and Sex Rings. Ann The book makes it apparent that this tional male role model. The primary bar- Wolbert Burgess, ed., with Marieanne same situation exists among other help- rier is that males in our society learn Lindeqvist Clark. Lexington, Mass.: Lex- ing professions. Also acknowledged early on to separate and individuate, ington Books, 1984 (221 pp.; $18.00). here is that social and cultural attitudes while females learn to value relation- and beliefs are intertwined with the ships. These basic values are what cause Reviewed by Paul N. Gerber, Special problem of child sexual exploitation. adolescent male prostitutes to easily Agent, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal These particular barriers to solution of compromise negative relationships and Apprehension, St. Paul. Minn. the problem dwarf the others. In our their female counterparts to be highly As an investigator and as a psychothera- patriarchal society children, forthe most protective of them. In this-particular pist with broad experience in the areas part, are still viewed as chattel. The idea area, the book is rather incomplete. The of child pornography, child prostitution, that they have independent rights came authors themselves acknowledge their and sex rings involving children, l found to attention only in the slipstream of the limited coverage of the adolescent that this book validated a number of the feminist movement. female prostitute. I would also like to hypotheses I believe in-hypotheses 1 The book accurately outlines child have seen illustrations of the double have not found clearly addressed in any prostitution/child pornography as a standards that come into play in the other book or periodical. It would there- “cottage” industry, and although the treatment of these crimes within the fore serve as a useful resource for profes- criminal behavior involved can be criminal justice system-most specifi- sionals embarking on careers that will “organized” in the pure sense of the cally, the difference in outcome that bring them into contact with perpetra- word, it is by no means synonymous with occurs when the perpetrator is in a posi- tors or victims of the above types of child what is more popularly defined as tion of power and authority. abuse. “organized crime.” The book brilliantly My overall reaction to the book was Because my experience so far has led and astutely identifies the subculture of positive, and I feel it could be consi- me to believe that any discussion of pedophiles that exists in our society. dered a “must” for people new to the these topics cannot come to absolute, These individuals find each other by a field. My complaints are basically with definitive conclusions, I think that the variety of structured and unstructured what the book didnot say, as opposed to authors presented here have a tendency means, from very visible organizations what it did say. I am not a professional to generalize too broadly, given the such as the North American Man Boy critic but simply one of a network of scope of the research which serves as the Love Association, to less sophisticated helping professionals committed to basis for their remarks. Our research and more fragmented endeavors such as eliminating the sexual exploitation of into the social and cultural phenom- regional publications of “swinger-type” children from our social order. It is clear enon of sexual exploitation of children magazines. Because child pornography that creating healthy attitudes, addi- might be measured as a single breath in a and prostitution function as cottage tional education in the broadest scope, lifetime. We are at the embryonic stage industries, thejl present a unique detec- swift enforcement, rigorous prosecu- of viewing this subject matter, and to tion problem. Law enforcement must tion, realistic punitive measures, and speak in absolutes or with great author- look to private homes to identify and effective treatment are all necessary and ity seems misleading. In my casework apprehend the vast majority of the per- integral steps in solving this social prob- throughout the state of Minnesota, I am petrators of these crimes. Since an lem. There is really only one sure way to continually amazed at the variables in enforcement effort of this kind demands eliminate child abuse: “Create and the dynamics of this crime resulting networking among all helping profes- maintain a society in which all adults from differing economic, cultural, and sionals, this book is invaluable in clarify- become the protectors of all children.” ethnic components. I would assume that ing most aspects of the various profes- PR nationally there are even more varia- sional barriers. Also, the vital need to bles, and thus, there is even greater address these crimes is underscored by diversity. the discussion of intergenerational sex- S and M: Studies in Sadomasochism. Most refreshing in the book were the ual behavior which stresses the fact that Thomas Weinberg and C. W. Levi comments about agency barriers and today’s victim is often tomorrow’s per- Kamel, eds. Buffalo, N.Y.: Prometheus professional barriers. The compartmen- petrator. The chapters on addressing the Books, 1983 (211 pp.; $21.95). talization of enforcement divisions needs of the victims once they are in the Reviewed by Mary lane Herron, fhD, within city, county, state, and federal grip of the system were also valuable. Adjunct Professor, Department of Mar- enforcement agencies works against the My expertise lies mainly in dealing riage and family Counseling, Seton Hall effective detection and eradication of with adolescent male prostitutes, and 1 University; and William C. Herron, PhD, sexual crimes perpetrated on children. found that the book’s discussion of the Professor, Department of Psychology. This is one of a myriad of political issues “hustler” coincided with my own St. lohn’s University. surrounding victimization. An even research, observations, and experience. broader political issue of victimization In networking with other helping pro- Although only four of the 18 articles comes into focus when this book speaks fessionals who deal with adolescent were written especially for the book, this of the tendency among helping profes- female prostitutes, I have learned that collection definitely belongs in the sionals to protect their territories by not these young women are difficult sub- library of anyone seriously interested in referring the case as part of the network- jects to deal with at some levels. When the topic of Sadism and Masochism. De-

22 SIECUS Report, March 1985 scribed as a treatise on the social aspects strongest in its medical content which, In many chapters teenagers are seen of sexual sadomasochism, it is actually an of course, is appropriate for its intended as a monolithic type (i.e., the adoles- S and M sampler which resists categori- readership. It covers many aspects of cent). More appropriately, one should zation. A great deal of interesting infor- early adolescent pregnancy and child- take into account such factors as varia- mation is provided, particularly about bearing: sexual activity, prevention, tions among adolescents in terms of gay S and M. The article by Lawrence biology, psychological aspects, and inter- their developmental stage, age, gender, Mass is fascinating in its reexamination vention approaches. race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, of previous theorizing about sadomaso- Social scientists and professionals in characteristics of family of origin, life chism. Pat Califia’s piece about “A such social and psychological fields as experiences, educational achievement, Secret Side of Lesbian Sexuality” is stun- counseling, education, and psychother- and social/psychological characteristics. ning, an erotic classic. And the editors apy are not as well served as medical Even though the book has weaknesses present a truly detailed treatment of personnel in that the sociological and in its social and psychological research “leathersex.” Interesting phenomena, psychological knowledge bases for a bases, the author-editor is to be con- many of them still to be explained, number of the chapters (especially those gratulated for her multi-disc.iplinary abound as well, including the predomi- on psychological aspects of adolescent approach. indeed, the needs of preg- nance of submissive men, the markedly pregnancy) are seriously flawed by their nant and parenting teenagers are apt to underground nature of heterosexual S lack of rigorous, thorough, and sophisti- be complex and rife with medical, social, and M as compared to gay S and M, and cated analysis of pertinent recent psychological, and economic difficul- the specificity of pain as pleasure. research. This lack probably arises from ties, particularly if the parents are under The book is not without faults. It has a the fact that very few of the authors of age 18, unmarried, and poor. As one scattered quality overall, with considera- these chapters have research and theory section especially recognizes, preven- ble repetition. Also, although it was pub- specializations in such fields as psychol- tion of early adolescent pregnancies is a lished in 1983, there is no mention of the ogy, anthropology, or sociology (aside primary goal. However, the material available 1981 research on submissive from several demographers who do presented seems to be especially limited and dominant heterosexual women contribute excellent chapters and psy- in that nearly all of the emphasis is on who were not prostitutes. This is a group chiatrists who bring rich clinical expe- contraceptive techniques. Important as the authors found nonexistent for rience to their essays). However, a this subject is, research shows that a research purposes. The articles actually number of the psychiatrically oriented complex of social, psychological, eco- focus primarily on men, thereby tending essays contain overly traditional atti- nomic, and other factors (as well as con- to limit the personal interest women tudes, a scattering of relevant studies, traceptive technologies) is differentially might have in the book. A defensive and too easily generalized assumptions. associated for varying groups of adoles- tone frequently appears as well, natural cents in respect to their use or non-use enough when authors are sympathetic of contraceptives. to a minority, but suspect when facts do A chapter on early mothering in ado- not support it. For example, the results Professional Courses In lescents is also worrisome. The author, presented indicate that the pain involved HUMAN SEXUALITY R. Lawrence, proceeds on a now dis- in sadomasochism generally goes at least from proven assumption that the mother-in- a bit beyond what submissives want. fant attachment is of virtually sole, That’s dangerous. Why not just admit The Institute for primary, and irreplaceable importance the danger rather than insisting on how Advanced Study in to a child’s social and emotional devel- minimal it is? Also, the attempted wrap- Human Sexuality opment. A number of extremely small around of sociological theory is a limp- studies with highly biased samples are ing process, replete with exceptions. l Courses by leading experts on quoted regarding the deficiencies of Our guess would be that the best answer Video Tapes for use in home adolescent mothering-a finding not or office in this book to the question of what S supported by a number of longitudinal l l Graduate and Continuing investigations using better samples and, and M is all about can be found in Cali- Education Credit for each course fia’s words: “My own needs dictate. . . .” if desired (Bachelors Degree in some instances, more appropriate Ongoing research will result in more required) controls. (See, for example, Card, Long- term Consequences of Children Born to definitive books. In the meantime, this l Certificates available in collection is worth reading. PR Sexology, Sex Education, Adolescent Parents, 1978; Furstenberg, Sex Therapy Unplanned Parenthood, 1976; Maracek,

l l All course credits apply towards Economic, Social and Psychological Premature Adolescent Pregnancy and Masters and Doctoral programs. Consequences of Adolescent Child- Parenthood. Elizabeth R. McAnarney, bearing, 1979.) Although the author rec- ed. New York: Grune and Stratton, 1983 For information about courses, certificates ognizes that the research she relies on (418 pp.; $39.50). and degrees, write or call: does have a number of problems, she tends to overlook the probability that Reviewed by Catherine 5. Chilman, Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality factors such as poverty, racism, and diffi- PhD, Professor, School of Social Wel- culties in family backgrounds may be fare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Room 851 1523 Frankhn Street more salient than the mother’s age in author, Adolescent Sexuality in a Chang- San Franc~sco, CA 94109 contributing to developmental defi- ing American Society, 1984. (415) 928-1133 ciencies of children of teenage parents. An Equal OpportunltylAfflrmative Actton institution Addressed primarily to professionals in Much more satisfactory on the topic perinatology, this book appears to be of developmental outcomes of children

SIECUS Report, March 1985 23 of teenage parents is an outstanding performed and the age, size, and nature nurses, social workers, psychiatrists, and chapter by E. Kinard and L. Klerman, of the cohort that was studied. psychologists. Their recommendations who conclude, on the basis of a highly J. Jekel and L. Klerman’s valuable for further research tend to be overly competent analysis of the research, that chapter concerning comprehensive ser- focused on the parenting capabilities of the cognitive development of children vice programs (health, educational, wel- adolescent parents, especially mothers. of adolescent and older parents is far fare, vocational, social service) for Important considerations are gener- more heavily affected by sociodemo- pregnant and parenting adolescents ally missing in this and other chapters: graphic variables than by maternal or provides a brief, but highly informative, the socioeconomic contexts in which paternal age at the child’s birth. overview of past and present public pol- adolescent pregnancy and parenting J. McCarthy and E. Radish contribute a icies, the present state of comprehen- occur, contexts that are often crucial to fine chapter concerning education and sive programs, and recommendations both the causes and outcomes of teen- childrearing among teenagers. They for the future. age parenting. What of the family sys- make important points when they sug- L. Handwerker and C. Hodgman make tems from which these adolescents gest that the educational experiences an important contribution of consist- come and to which so many return? and achievements of adolescent moth- ently impressive expertise in their chap- What of the financial resources? What of ers in 1980 may be quite different from ter, “Approach to Adolescents by the the job opportunities? What of the com- those in 1960, a period in which many of Perinatal Staff.” There is a welcome munity resources? A truly comprehen- the frequently quoted studies showing emphasis on individual variations, and sive approach to this topic would take seriously adverse educational outcomes respect and sensitivity toward each into far greater account the total ecol- were carried out. Recent policies forbid- patient as a particular person who may ogy in which adolescent pregnancy and ding exclusion of pregnant and parent- be struggling with such problems as anx- parenting occur. ing women from public schools have iety, dependency needs, feelings of Despite these criticisms, I believe the made a major contribution to educa- inadequacy, and fear. Recognition of book to be excellent in many ways. tional continuation by young pregnant the concerns of young fathers adds Although I am not actually in a position women and mothers (as has the availa- significantly to this essay. to judge the adequacy of the medical bility of child-care resources). Then, too, McAnarney and A. Thiede provide a content, I do think that, considering the the adolescent mothers of today may thought-provoking finale. Although the impressive qualifications of the authors have quite different characteristics from emphasis in the summary and recom- of the relevant chapters, professionals in those of an earlier period in that the mendations is primarily medical (which perinatology would find the volume “culture of sexuality” has changed so is as it should be for this particular book), exceptionally valuable. Professionals in profoundly. These points are illustrative the authors recognize the multi-faceted social and behavioral fields will also of a larger one: All studies of the causes aspects of adolescent pregnancy and profit from this book, particularly from and outcomes of human behavior parenting, and the need, therefore, for its chapters dealing with physical health should take into account the historical the combined services of physicians, and/or community planning for preg- period of time in which the study was certified nurse-midwives, registered nant and parenting adolescents. PR

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March 1985

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