Sexuality and Gender - Admission/Application Essay Example

? Gender and Sexuality Gender and Sexuality Gender and sexuality remain vital in today’s world with regard to policy making, social scientists as well as the activists. These two terms have been used interchangeably and, they can be combined to denote several meanings. As a matter of fact, these two words play a great role in making remarkable differences in our daily lives. Sexuality is a focal point in being of humans throughout life. Sexuality entails sex, gender roles and identities, intimacy and procreation. This phenomenon is manifest in our thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, values, responsibilities and relationships. However, it is imperative to note that while sexuality is broad based dimension, not all these aspects can be expressed. Critical to sexuality are factors that tend to hinder its expression in the daily lives of human beings. These are socio-economic, cultural, political, religious and biological factors. The term gender is derived from the Latin word genus denoting race or kind. Gender encompasses psycho physiologic progressions that entail social role and identity. Additionally, gender may be on various platforms such as societies, courts, psychologic setting and at personal level. On the other hand, the notion of being a position to identify oneself as male or female is termed as gender identity. Directly interrelated to gender identity is gender role, which is said to be the outward materializations of an individual’s personality to portray gender identity. In a majority of human beings, gender role and gender identity are in agreement. Therefore, thorough examination of this congruity is essential in the upbringing of young ones. This is important because, in cases of disagreement of discordant outlook, there are bound to be gender variant behavior and mannerisms. Significant learning from this topic relate to the origin of gender differences in terms of the two famous perspectives. Human behavior as a result of gender differences can be attributed to either essentialism or social constructionism. Basically, the essentialism theory holds the perception that gender disparities among individuals is part of the nature in biological constitution. Contrary to this theory, proponents of social constructionism believe that gender is constructed or woven by the social administration and culture. Another significant lesson is the role of media in social construction with regard to gender. Social development of gender does not stop at the school level but also proceeds systematically in the media. In this particular aspect, men are seen as aggressive, authoritative and action oriented compared to women who dwell mostly on house chores of cleaning, babysitting and modeling of clothes. In continuity of lessons acquired, the aspect of male and female interaction plays a vital role in elucidating gender differences. From school to social settings, team sports have shaped my thinking of being a competitor, self-sufficient and attain hierarchical relationships at all levels. I have understood the significance of taking central position and showing my capabilities. Gender explicit interaction variants have serious consequences in workplaces. Gender norms form the biggest portion of contributing factors in sexuality. Gender influences the expectations of both males and females in several ways. Those who are unwilling to conform to these set standards in any given society become victims of gender violence. Socio-cultural standards in a number of societies dictate that women should not move around, drive vehicles or achieve education. All these are done with an aim of protecting their chastity. Contrary to this stereotypic outlook, women’s sexuality does not have any bearing to their development and growth in the society. This has called for activists to form gender based violence organizations that are now championing for gender equality. Sexuality has also been linked to poverty in many poor countries. Reproductive ill health statuses play a fuelling role in poverty levels. Marriage is seen as the single most setting for enhancing economic survival in a family. Therefore, the failure of women to get married has implications of landlessness, lack of housing and proper inheritance. Eventually, the end result is an increase in poverty in the affected families. Lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender proponents and members may face serious discrimination in work places and schools. A notable influence of gender disparity with regard to sexuality is manifest in the spread of HIV and AIDS. Practice behavior among partners may lead top compromise in terms of safer sex. As the society dictates, women are expected to be passive and submissive while men seem to be vulnerable and ignorant in such matters. Oppression by law enforcers, penalties and stigmatization all fuel the spread of HIV and AIDS especially to commercial sex workers. The lesson on sexual rights may form the basis of soliciting justice in reference to sexuality and gender disparity. This calls for a paradigm shift from identity politics. With this in mind, I have been able to understand the importance of having the freedom of personal fulfillment. Additionally, I have a freedom from coercion and segregation surrounding this topic of sexuality and gender. Having achieved such vital information on this topic, it is pertinent for positive actions to be put in place. Implementation of this coursework will enable me to go beyond the contracted health and hostility approaches. Approaching sexuality more holistically and taking into considerations gender and power determinants. By this, community based organizations championing for gender equality seems to be viable. The shunning away from stereotype ideologies which do not support sexual rights and pleasure forms another guideline. This calls for collaboration in policy making at all levels and having a fair representation in terms of gender. This can also be termed as an inclusive or all round approach which is open to all members of the society including lesbians, gays, transgender and bisexuals. References Blum, D. (1997). Sex on the Brain: The Biological Differences between Men and Women. New York: Penguin. Rutter, V., & Schwartz, P. (2011). The Gender of Sexuality: Exploring Sexual Possibilities. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield,. Williams, C., & Stein, A. (2002). Sexuality and Gender. New Jersey: Wiley-Blackwell. Read More