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Sociology 194
Terrence J. Stewart, Instructor
Childhood Sexuality: Infancy to Adolescence
Infancy (Birth to age 2)
• Male fetuses have erections, and female fetuses are capable of
vaginal lubrication.
• 50% of boys could achieve the muscle spasms of orgasm.
• Anecdotal evidence suggests that girls can also orgasm.
• Many infants touch their genitals, and masturbation is normal and
common for this age.
• Critical to this stage is the child’s relationship to parental figures or
guardians, particularly in terms of warmth and intimacy.
• Gender identity begins development in infants between the ages of
one and two.
Early Childhood (ages 2 to 5)
• Toilet training leads to greater interest in genitals and body waste.
• Masturbatory behaviors continue; reaction of parents/guardians is
crucial, as boundaries, pride, and respect for one’s body can be
impressed upon young children at this stage.
• Children explore what it means to be a boy or a girl through curiosity
about gender roles.
• Sex play with other children begins here, including genital exposure
and rubbing against other children.
• Secrecy surrounding sex is understood; children are rarely taught the
proper names for their genitals.
Childhood and Preadolescence
• Visible signs of puberty emerge around ages 9-10.
• Sexual interest steadily increases, with sexual contact and sexual play
initiated in unique ways among family, friends and peers (i.e. “Catch a
Girl, Get a Girl, Kiss a Girl,” or “Spin the Bottle.”)
• Initial sexual experimentation begins
Adolescence
• Puberty and its accompanying physical and emotional changes often
leads to awkwardness and discomfort.
• Issues of body image emerge and become prominent.
• Cliques and dating patterns emerge.
