Our Understanding of Sexuality and Family Formation

1224 Words3 Pages

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

Open Document