The amount of variation in types of sexual behavior in humans is greater than that surrounding any other biological drive. This is true not only of frequency of sexual behavior (Kinsey 1948), but of the kinds of behavior which are permitted or condemned by various societies. Ford and Beach (1951) have documented the cultural variation of a number of sex practices, but they offer no explanation for the observed cultural differences. This study is concerned with an investigation of the interrelationships among some forms of sexual behaviors and beliefs concerning sex. Since all societies recognize marriage as the institution defining the most important legitimate sex partner, we have included in our investigation methods used by societies to arrange and dissolve marriages and the degree of segregation of unmarried adoleseents from opposite-sexed peers. We have investigated homosexual relationships and rape as two kinds of sexual behavior which are considered to be deviant by many societies. We have also investigated the use of aphrodisiacs and love charms and a number of beliefs and practices which are indicative of sex anxiety.
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Minturn et al. (1969) studied this question.
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