The+Female+Orgasm+Across+Cultures

=Introduction = Perception of and attitude towards the female orgasm have been quite varied throughout history. The orgasm has long been misunderstood and often under-prioritized. Tradition and culture influence and may dictate the acceptable ways in which a female can achieve and enjoy sexual pleasure.

In the early 13th Century (Medieval Times), equal emphasis was placed on both males and females achieving orgasm. However, this was based on the belief that female anatomy was essentially the male anatomy only inverted.

Centuries later, in the 1800s, the term "hysteria" was coined in reference to sexual tension experienced by women that drove them to insanity. It was believed that the only way to "cure" hysteria was through pelvic massage and douching, eventually leading to orgasm. Orgasm was seen as a medically necessary pathology, thereby removing any pleasure or enjoyment from it.

Alfred Kinsey entered the picture in the 1940s, demystifying the existence and intricacies of the female orgasm. He discovered that 40% of the women involved in the survey experienced their first orgasm through masturbation. Kinsey's studies and reports began the continuous process of normalizing the female orgasm, laying the foundation for future theories and research regarding the female orgasm.

Scientists have long theorized the evolutionary adaptation of the female orgasm over time. It has been suggested that orgasm may assist in mate selection, or conversely, that orgasm allows a female to bond with multiple sexual partners.
 * Theories for the Existence of the Female Orgasm **

The theory of "up-suck" has been explored, which suggests that the spasms involved in orgasm work to increase sperm retention and assist in sucking the sperm through the cervix. Others have hypothesized that the existence of the female orgasm is, in a sense, a bonus. Because humans are sexually undifferentiated in the womb for a time, perhaps the female orgasm exists as a byproduct of the male orgasm, lacking any biological purpose other than pleasure. =Cultures Explored =

Urban China
toc Urban china includes the major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. Because China is deeply rooted in a traditionally centered culture, the government has often failed to view women's needs and interests as prime policy goals. However, i n recent years, these cities have undergone a sexual revolution. This means that access to mainstream media has increased. Women are learning about self satisfaction and that sex does not necessarily need to be male focused. Ultimately, women's expectations are increasing and they are becoming more expressive of their needs, leading to increased pleasure and orgasms.

Inis Beag Community in Ireland
The Inis Beag community is a small rural, farming community located on the Aran Islands to the west of Galway Bay in Ireland. Many American sexologists would consider the Inis Beag to be a sexually repressed culture. Sex is not discussed among the inhabitants. Most individuals are uninformed about sex, the body, and reproduction, and learn by trial and error. Any sexual expression is punishable. Procreative sex in heterosexual marriages is the only acceptable sexual behavior, and is considered a woman's duty to endure. Women do not know if they experience orgasms during sex because they are uninformed about sex and their husbands usually fall asleep after ejaculating. A brief summary of Irish sexual mores that may explain the Inis Beag's sexual practices is shared.

American Lesbians and Orgasm
According to a recent study on American singles, orgasm occurrence is associated with sexual orientation. In regards to women, those who identify as lesbians have reported a higher mean orgasm occurrence over women who identify with different orientations. It is not certain as to why this is the case, but some guess that it is a result of needing to be creative in the bedroom due to a lack of penis. Another study that compared single lesbian women with partnered lesbian women found that while both groups experienced similar orgasm occurrence, there was a statistically significant higher report of overall satisfaction for partnered lesbian women.

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