Sexuality and Gender - Admission/Application Essay Example

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. Read More