Sexual Selves Anthropology

Sexuality is a hard topic to stay on top of as it is subject to various contributors that participate in the production of our ever-changing sexual selves. Although the notion of your sexual self isn’t necessarily bounded by anthropology, it is a well-rounded topic that has assisted in sexuality studies by understanding the intimate connection between the wider embodiment of sexuality and more importantly the larger context of how we socialise. Our sexual selves is the process by which we become sexual beings (Plante, R). The journey that we experience that contribute to the construction of our sexual identities. These experiences are heavily influenced by cultural norms and contours our ideals of gendered and sexual behaviour. This essay will

Think of it as a new metaphor or rather a representation of sexual activity as social/learned interaction (Gagnon JH 1973). Gagnon argued sexual scripts as a model for understanding sexuality which enabled us to see the development of the sexual self within a social setting. Although all may not agree with this theory it provides a sociohistorical outlook whereas most aspects that were studied thus far in sexuality studies focused more on the physiological, more mechanical side of sex. Their study was useful as based on the concept of sex not being and that gendered roles were not necessary it argued that sexuality should be considered as a cultural understanding which are arranged into sexual scripts. These scripts basically outline the who, what, where, when, how and why of sexuality. Although bearing in mind there is always room for improvisation as not everyone follows the ‘rules’ as such. It is also significant to not that with these scripts there are meanings, people require nuances to add to their stories that are part and parcel of the development of your sexual self. These sexual scripts provide common understanding between us as people. There are three levels in which the sexual scripting is suggested. First there is cultural scenarios which in a broader sense we are supposed to adhere to in regard appropriate relationship for men and women. Second is interpersonal scripts which take a mediated role between cultural scenarios and intrapsychic scripts but apply subjectively. For example, in an argument between partners the script provides specificity and enables communication. Lastly the is the intrapsychic script which is entirely internal, it is the individual experience ranging from memories to fantasies, all subjective to the person. Collectively all these aspects of this model contribute to the construction and development of your sexual identity. Thus, social and