Sexuality is Socially Constructed Essay - 1885 Words

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines sexuality as a) the quality and state of being sexual, b) the condition of having sex, c) sexual activity, and d) the expression of sexual receptivity or interest especially when excessive, and it cites the first use of the word at around the year 1800. Human beings experienced their own sexuality prior to 1800; however, it was not until the late nineteenth century when the ideas heterosexuality and homosexuality were initially formulated. As sexuality is the result of social interactions, one’s sex, class, and race all play large roles in defining sexuality, whether it be to others or simply on a personal level. The human tendency to associate males with power and females with weakness is so†¦show more content†¦Following this trend, society has advanced today so as to add several variations to the list of â€Å"human sexualities.† Modern society, however, still tries to restrict sexuality and how individuals engage in al ternate lifestyles. Before defining sexuality, one must recognize the close ties it has to one’s gender. In her article, â€Å"Sexuality, Heterosexuality, and Gender Hierarchy: Getting our Priorities Straight,† Stevi Jackson defines sexuality as a broad term â€Å"referring to all erotically significant aspects of social life and social being.† An individual’s assigned gender, which is the set of distinctions established by society about how the various sexes should act and appear, is one of the key defining points of an individual’s sexuality. Jackson remarks that â€Å"it is gender that enables us to ‘see’ biological sex: it â€Å"transforms an anatomical difference (which is itself devoid of significance) into a relevant distinction for social practice† (Jackson 144). One’s sex is established based on the reproductive organs he/she possesses at birth. The gender one is expected to align themselves with is the one that tends to follow the established social guidelines for their sex. Thus, a male is one with a penis who, as Michael S. Kimmel relates in his article â€Å"Masculinity as Homophobia: Fear, Shame, and Silence in the Construction of Gender Identity,† is given power, wealth, and status in society, who must â€Å"never do anything that remotely suggests femininity,† who does notShow MoreRelatedHow Sexuality is Socially Constructed Essay2036 Words   |  9 PagesFrom birth, ones sexuality is shaped by society. Cultures institute behaviors that are to be seen as the societal norms, which work to constantly reinforce societal expectations of how genders should act in relation to one another. Although some may argue that ones sexuality is an innate characteristic resulting from genetic makeup, there is a large amount of evidence pointing to its social construction instead. 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