Socio Cultural influences on sexuality
When examining influences on sexuality one has to look at many different factors. One of those factors that has an influence on sexuality is the culture or society that person is from and their expectations of sexual behavior. Gender identity, their roles, and stereotypes associated with a person’s gender also play a part. Finally the psychological impacts of these expectations and how commercial sex influences expectations and perceptions of sexuality should be explored.
Gender Identity and Gender Roles Gender identity is “one’s subjective sense of being a man (or boy) or a woman (or girl). This sense is usually acquired by the age of 3” (King, 2012). “As children move into the larger world of friends and school, many of their ideas and beliefs are reinforced by those around them. A further reinforcement of acceptable and appropriate behavior is shown to children through the media, in particular, television. Through all these socialization agents, children learn gender stereotyped behavior. As children develop, these stereotypes become firmly entrenched beliefs and thus, are a part of the child's self-concept” (Witt, 1997). However, where do those that may have a gender identity disorder fall. Those that have gender dysphoria are those that may feel they are trapped in the wrong anatomic body. This could be that little boy who is more comfortable wearing a dress or the little girl that prefers to play in the mud and wear overalls versus a dress. They could even be classified as having a gender identity disorder, of which there are two criteria. The criteria are they indicate that identify with the opposite gender and that they indicate discomfort with their own anatomy and gender role.
Gender Stereotypes A gender stereotype is defined as “oversimplified, preconceived beliefs about the gender roles of men and women” (King, 2012). The beliefs can either be positive or negative. There are gender
Gender Identity and Gender Roles Gender identity is “one’s subjective sense of being a man (or boy) or a woman (or girl). This sense is usually acquired by the age of 3” (King, 2012). “As children move into the larger world of friends and school, many of their ideas and beliefs are reinforced by those around them. A further reinforcement of acceptable and appropriate behavior is shown to children through the media, in particular, television. Through all these socialization agents, children learn gender stereotyped behavior. As children develop, these stereotypes become firmly entrenched beliefs and thus, are a part of the child's self-concept” (Witt, 1997). However, where do those that may have a gender identity disorder fall. Those that have gender dysphoria are those that may feel they are trapped in the wrong anatomic body. This could be that little boy who is more comfortable wearing a dress or the little girl that prefers to play in the mud and wear overalls versus a dress. They could even be classified as having a gender identity disorder, of which there are two criteria. The criteria are they indicate that identify with the opposite gender and that they indicate discomfort with their own anatomy and gender role.
Gender Stereotypes A gender stereotype is defined as “oversimplified, preconceived beliefs about the gender roles of men and women” (King, 2012). The beliefs can either be positive or negative. There are gender
References: "CI5472 Teaching Film, Television, and Media." Twin Cities - University of Minnesota. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2012. . "Gender Stereotypes Impact Women in the Workplace | Career Thought Leaders." Career Thought Leaders sharing best practices, trends and resources. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2012. . King, B. (2012). Human Sexuality Today Seventh Edition. Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall. Witt, S. D. (1997, June 22). Parental Influence on Children 's Socialization to Gender Roles. Adolescence, 32, 1.