Our Understanding of Sexuality and Family Formation
The investigations in the determinants of gender and sexuality are
ongoing; some are biologically orientated while others believe that
they are socially constructed. This essay will discuss the idea that
our understanding of sexuality and gender is linked to our
understanding of family formations. It will highlight the diversities
and the relationships of sexuality, gender and the family. It will
also draw attention to the theory of how gender is biologically
determined and fixed and the family has no influence on gender, but on
the other hand the belief that gender is socially constructed, fluid
and subject to change and we have to learn gender through processes
such as the family. Sexuality will also be addressed and how
heterosexuality and the need for a family shaped and still shape
societies norms about sexual preference.
Gender is defined in the Collins English Dictionary (2003) as ‘state
of being male or female’. Sociologists would argue that it is not so
easily defined and that the origins of gender are constantly being
investigated. Biological determinists attach biological
characteristics to gender differences (Bilton et al, 2002: 132;
Giddens 1998: 91). They have looked at evidence from animals,
measuring hormonal make-up and anatomical differences (which defines
the sex) as the reason for differences between masculinity and
femininity (Giddens, 1998: 91). Bilton et al (2002) identifies that
biological ‘determinists highlight similarities in male behaviour
across different environments. They argue that male traits (whether a
preference for competitive sport,...
... middle of paper ...
... in the traditional
sense of the family although it has been identified that many types of
sexualities exist. Family is not the only factor to influence
sexuality and gender and family formations are themselves greatly
shaped by society and the norms and values of the current time. This
essay has identified the biological determinants, social and cultural
determinants and psychoanalytical approaches to gender development and
sexuality. It has shown that neither is exclusive and all have
valuable points.
REFERENCES
Bilton, T et al (2002), Introductory Sociology 4th ed, Palgrave
Macmillan, New York
Giddens, A (1998), Sociology 3rd ed, Polity Press, Cambridge
Oakley, A (1972), Sex, Gender and Society, Temple Smith, London
Muncie, J et al (1995), Understanding the Family, Oxford University,
London
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