Exploring Sexuality: Understanding the Truth Behind Assumptions - Essay Sample

Introduction

This course has contributed significantly to making me comfortable with my sexuality. It exposed me to the different assumptions made due to one's sexuality. These skewed notions are often propagated and spread by an individual whose desires were not met and sought to draw others to embracing their reasoning. Such people may be inclined toward shaming certain people based on their sexuality, but their views do not present the truth since they lack facts and real information. Therefore, one should not be cowered by such people since they give biased standards that are only limited to their perceptions.

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I have appreciated the aspect of sexual diversity in society. The course has acquainted me with the vast gender identities, sex characteristics, and sexual orientations while eliminating the stereotypes attached to each of them. The elements of sexual minorities have been an eye-opener after the realization of the vast variances present in people's sexual orientations. I learned the various woes that people who fail to conform to the predominant gender and sexual norms face, including marginalization, and discrimination. The course exposed me to the vast programs that promote sexual minority inclusion and fight against stigmatization and criminalization of certain sexual orientations. Subsequently, I can be comfortable with my inclination since I am sure of protection from different forms of abuse owing to the initiated programs.

Conversely, the course has enhanced my understanding of the diverse range of beliefs and cultures about sexuality that exist in the US and other parts of the world. There are different beliefs surrounding sexuality, with some sects hold that male and females were created to procreate and thus advocate against sexual minorities often discriminating against them. Also, most religions have distinct moral codes that guide practices and activities relating to sec and which people must follow. Some of them perceive sex as a sacred act that should only happen between a man and a woman and confined in marriage. The doctrines of such religions also stress the need for people to regulate their sexual desires and sex drives. Besides, religion tends to dictate how each gender should express their sexuality. Religious beliefs also regulate other sexuality aspects such as polygamous relationships, use of birth control, and perceptions about abortion.

The course also taught that the view of sexuality varies across different cultures, with each society having a distinctive approach in the interpretation of sexual activities. Human sexuality is viewed as part of the overall social life and is therefore governed by the status quo, general social norms, and the implied rules of behavior. Besides, culture determines the understanding and expression of sexual beauty hence influencing how different genders wear and behave to portray their sexuality. The knowledge and interpretation of gender and sexuality are based on culture. The society dictates aspects such as the view of extramarital sex, the allowed age of consent, and perspectives on monogamy and masturbation. Generally, an individual grows under a certain culture which shapes their view of morals and values revolving around sex; hence determining how they view various elements.

Question 29

The course helped to deepen my understanding of the linkages between sexuality and social inequality. The existing disparities are caused by aspects such as the gendered norms, poverty, labor force participation, and myths about different genders. These aspects shape people's perception of different genders and thus determine how they treat it, which in most cases leads to inequalities.

Gendered norms relate to the aspects that govern the acceptable traits for each gender. In many societies, such standards tend to favor men and give them immense privileges and value, while women lurk below men; hence propagating inequalities. For instance, when girls reach puberty, they become more restricted in dress codes and appearance, while boys are allowed to explore vast elements of the world. Females are taught how to be submissive while men take charge of various activities. Moreover, virginity is emphasized for girls and viewed as a source of honor with girls who engaged in premarital sex being seen as misfits. Males, on the other hand, are taught how to head families and handle selected and seemingly prestigious roles. As such, gender roles play an essential role in promoting social inequalities.

Poverty could contribute to enhancing inequalities among genders. In areas with poor food security, females are coerced into engaging in sexual activities to get food, and their allocations are often smaller compared to men's portions. Besides, the effects of poverty on social inequalities could be linked to certain societal factors typical to such societies. Such practices include discrimination in inheritance laws and land sharing, which leaves women without sources of income. These aspects adversely affect food security, and women are discriminated against as they seek means to feed their families since they are held responsible for food management in their families.

Labor force participation could play a significant role in enhancing social inequality. There is a considerable gap between the proportion of men and women in the working sector. Such a setting gives men power over women since they have the means to support families while females are left to handle household chores. The situation is further worsened by the high fertility rates and poor birth spacing associated with economically unproductive women. Besides, there is considerable discrimination of women in the job market, with some companies limiting them to minor roles. Such situations undermine women and thus promote the existing inequality between genders.

Social inequalities are enhanced by the false myths on sexuality. Some of the popular cultural beliefs show women's sexual behavior and feelings as different from men's. They assume that men become aroused quickly, have stronger sex drives, and cannot control their urges. Besides, such beliefs think that it is only men who enjoy sex and can engage in the act without necessarily loving. Such views paint women in a bad light as they are expected to have less sexual desires, more control for their urges, and have difficulties in deriving pleasure from sex. Subsequently, men are given a higher edge on sexual matters while women are viewed as weaker based on such myths hence promoting inequalities.