The academic inquiry has sought to understand the two essential aspects of human identity: gender and sexuality (Secules et al., 2021). For many years, gender and sexuality have been topics of social discourse and academic inquiry. Such notions are firmly entrenched within society’s fabric, cultural beliefs, and individual experiences contributing to shaping their relationships with themselves and others. Exploration into various grades or elements surrounding sex identity, including the social-cultural backdrop developing historically and then forming disagreements nowadays, will be carried out by me through writing the rest part of this write-up. Throughout this document, I will investigate numerous theoretical frameworks governing notions of gender and sexuality.
Furthermore, I will evaluate various perspectives relating to these themes–taking note not only of positive aspects but also potential shortcomings while acknowledging any additional critics’ viewpoints. A thorough appreciation of how gender identity impacts society necessarily involves recognizing it as an inherently complex concept with far-reaching implications. Considering the complexities involved in comprehending the meaning of gender and sexuality on both societal norms or individual identity, it is impractical for any one theory to be considered uniformly practical when studying this concept providing a quick introduction to the historical evolution and societal perception changes surrounding sex and gender is going to be my starting point. Then we will examine various theoretical constructs that have been applied in interpreting those themes; some notable ones being feminist philosophy, transformative opinion & social constructivism. Moreover, part of my exploration process would involve discussing contemporary issues regarding sexuality; these include aspects such as seeking tolerance for people who identify themselves as lgbtq+ and permitting individuals freely express their genders by their preference through transgender transition surgeries, among others. This research paper’s primary focus is to provide a complete understanding of how gender and sexuality matter across a sociological theory by investigating its impact on individuals’ lives within societies. In analyzing multiple perspectives and theories, one can attain an enhanced grasp of these intricate concepts, allowing us to create a more inclusive social order.
In other cultures, gentleness might be associated with masculinity while aggression with femininity; however, these associations are socially constructed based on location & history. Masculinity may be associated with aggression and dominance in some cultures or gentleness and sensitivity in others, but both relate to social expectations of gender(Alsarve & Johansson, 2021). Cultural norms shifting across time and location can heavily influence what constitutes being masculine or feminine. Cultural expectations of masculinity and femininity vary between different periods and societies. Marginalizing people that break from traditional gender norms has been a typical result of the social construct behind it. Exclusion from employment and education opportunities, along with discrimination in housing and healthcare, are among some of the discriminations faced by individuals who identify as transgender.
Two solid social identities that can intersect are gender and sexuality, shaping an individual’s experiences. An individual’s social experience may vary based on both gender and sexual orientation as two key components that affect this type of interaction between broader society and these core human traits (De Neef et al., 2019). As opposed to people having distinct classifications, being at an intersectional point regarding factors like sex identity or sexual preference can result in unique societal benefits/drawbacks. Oppression is manifested differently depending on factors like race, gender, and sexuality all intersecting with each other–in relation to members identifying under both queer or non-heterosexual identities as well as who are persons of color. Experiences with discrimination and marginalization vary greatly among white members of the LGBTQ + community compared to those identifying with a different race or ethnicity within this group. High rates of murder and assault disproportionately affect black transgender women. Tackling discrimination against people who identify as LGBTQIA requires taking an interdisciplinary view since doing so would help understand how sexual orientation intersects with other characteristics (like Gender or Race), thereby influencing one’s life chances. Folks from traditionally stigmatized populations often witness this ‘intersection’ firsthand; LGBTQ+ people facing poverty challenges (e.g., lack of access to healthcare) serve as just one example. Individuals facing marginalization due to financial hardship or physical impairments could encounter unique barriers when seeking gender- or sexuality-oriented assistance. Obtaining adequate and necessary healthcare can prove challenging for those in the low-income category who are part of the LGTBQIA+ community.
Discrimination faced by those who identify as transgender or LGBTQ+ regarding healthcare/workplace/housing access highlights the unfortunate consequences resulting from traditional societal expectations about one’s sexual persuasion. While individuals’ sexual orientation describes their emotional and physical attraction toward others, it is essential not to confuse this aspect with one’s internal sense of being male or female. Sexual orientation labels include heterosexual/straight (sexes are opposite), homosexual/gay/lesbian (same sexes), and bisexual (both same & different) (Lippa, 2020). Misalignment between a person’s gender identity/sexual preference & societal conventions leads to mistreatment/discrimination. Individuals belonging under the banner of the LGBTQ+ community may have difficulty acquiring accommodation or securing employment, while someone identifying themselves as transgender may suffer from facing prejudice when seeking medical assistance specifically dealing with matters relating o their transitional journey.
Analyzing the experiences of individuals and groups involves considering the role that power and privilege play in constructing gender and sexuality. Despite significant progress made over the years on this front through affirmative action policies or programs, women undeniably continue to contend with gender disparities even today Persistent gender pay gap signifies the presence of discrimination against women despite notable progress. Marginalization of certain groups due to power dynamics contributes significantly to shaping gender identity, thereby further resulting in oppression & stereotypes, exemplified by fewer opportunities for female advancement into high-level executive employment roles laying bare society’s systematic prejudices. Similarly, the past has seen LGBTQ+ people receive substantial discrimination and social isolation owed to their gender identity or sexual preference (Madrigal-Borloz, 2021). The impact of violent actions towards members of the LGBTQ+ community cannot be ignored throughout history, implying that using laws regulating sexual interactions contributed negatively gives an understanding of how some policies act exclusively favoring groups interested in imposing social disadvantage. In addition, accessing healthcare, housing, and employment can be challenging for many LGBTQ+ individuals. Acknowledging marginalized groups’ experiences means being aware of how power works within social hierarchies- this awareness promotes an equitable & inclusive society. The role played by power in reinforcing social hierarchies must be acknowledged while marginalized groups’ experiences are recognized to create equity among all individuals. Eliminating oppression suffered by women and LGBTQ+ individuals may begin with undermining patriarchy as a structure and other oppressive societal institutions. To tackle discrimination faced by women and members of the LGBTQ+ community, power dynamics must be recognized along with efforts toward equality.
With numerous views and arguments, gender and sexuality are intricate themes that require careful consideration. Our exploration in this article involves numerous elements regarding this particular matter – namely, issues surrounding social constructions that define genders, effects generated by sexualities or identities toward health goals, current endeavors highlighting justice movements for individuals belonging to all spectrums within LGTBQ+There are several areas affected by gender/sexuality which include proving differences between academic growth rates for students. While advances toward accepting gender-identity diversification took place recently, plenty is still needed before people are treated equally, no matter their sexual orientation. Challenging traditional gender roles & promoting acceptance of diverse sexualities are essential for creating a more equitable & just society that respects all individuals regardless of their identities moving forward. The pursuit of creating a just society that esteems each citizen equally, irrespective of sexuality or gender, requires our relentless drive towards shaking up social traditions regarding gender while amplifying awareness of varied sexual preferences.
References
Alsarve, D., & Johansson, E. (2021). A gang of ironworkers with the scent of blood: A participation observation of male dominance and its historical trajectories at Swedish semi-professional ice hockey events. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 57(1), 54–72. https://doi.org/10.1177/1012690221998576
De Neef, N., Coppens, V., Huys, W., & Morrens, M. (2019). Bondage-Discipline, Dominance-Submission, and Sadomasochism (BDSM) From an Integrative Biopsychosocial Perspective: A Systematic Review. Sexual Medicine, 7(2), 129–144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2019.02.002
Lippa, R. A. (2020). Interest, Personality, and Sexual Traits That Distinguish Heterosexual, Bisexual, and Homosexual Individuals: Are There Two Dimensions That Underlie Variations in Sexual Orientation? Archives of Sexual Behavior, 49(2), 607–622. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-020-01643-9
Madrigal-Borloz, V. (2021). The price that is paid: violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and poverty. Elgar Online: The Online Content Platform for Edward Elgar Publishing, 171–191. https://www.elgaronline.com/display/edcoll/9781788977500/9781788977500.00022.xml
Secules, S., McCall, C., Mejia, J. A., Beebe, C., Masters, A. S., L. Sánchez‐Peña, M., & Svyantek, M. (2021). Positionality practices and dimensions of impact on equity research: A collaborative inquiry and call to the community. Journal of Engineering Education, 110(1), 19–43. https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20377
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