sexual identity

sexuality

a person's identity in relation to the gender or genders to which they are typically attracted or not attracted; sexual orientation.

gender

refers to the cultural expectations attached to being either male or female.

what do sociologists say about sexuality and gender?

sociologists would usually say that these are both socially constructed

examples of sexual orientation

• heterosexual (straight)

• homosexual (gay/lesbian)

• bi-sexual

• pansexual (all genders)

• asexual (no sexual attractions to any gender but can have sexual relationships)

• ‘coming out’

cultural attitudes towards homosexuality

• culture is relative between societies around sexual orientation.

• in some countries it is illegal to be homosexual e.g. saudi arabia and uganda.

need to elaborate on the why? and the progression of these countries and how media is strictly monitored there etc

• ONS Home Office 2024 stats on sexual orientation hate crimes: sexual orientation hate crime - 22,839 offences recorded

• Tommy Berwick left requiring the use of a wheelchair after being attacked - 2020

• how are the people being treated

• what questions are they being asked? What do you think the purpose of this video is?

in the UK homosexuality was decriminalised in 1968 and used to be considered a mental illness or perversion.

McIntosh - ‘the homosexual role’

norms associated with homosexuality are fulfilled by those who are labelled ‘homosexual’-

• attention to appearance

• high voice

• effeminate mannerisms

how is sexuality reinforced by agents of socialisation?

• family - often assume heterosexuality (heteronormativity). participate in gender socialisation and canalisation

• education - hidden curriculum teaches norms (e.g. “that’s so gay” as an insult).

  • lack of LGBTQ+ representation in sex education reinforces heterosexuality as the norm.

• peer group - mac an Ghaill – peer policing of sexual identity and masculinity.

  • homophobic bullying to enforce heterosexual norms.

• media -

• religion -

how are sexual identities created and reinforced?

legal reforms to display acceptance of homosexuality

• 2002 - Adoption and Children Act

• 2004 - Civil Partnership Act (2005)

• 2010 - Equality Act - Sexuality is a protected characteristic in the UK

• 2013 - Marriage Equality Act (2014)

how might views of sexuality be changing?

• secularisation

• legal changes

• media representation

• changing youth attitudes

• postmodernism

securalisation

decline in religious influence means more acceptance of diverse sexualities.

legal changes

legal reforms have taken place in order to display acceptance of homosexuality. e.g. same-sex marriage legalised (e.g. UK in 2014), anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQ+ rights.

media representation

more visibility of LGBTQ+ people in mainstream media (e.g. Heartstopper, Pose). helps with familiarity / exposure?!

changing youth attitudes

younger generations more accepting; many identify as non-binary or queer.

giddens (1992)

late modernity allows individuals to construct their own identities, including sexual identity.

weeks (1991)

those who participate in homosexual acts don’t always seen themselves as gay, or those who are part of the gay community but do not participate in same-sex activity.

reiss (1961)

‘rent boys’ - male prostitutes who participate in homosexual sex for money but still define themselves as heterosexual: in order to neutralise their behaviour, they despise the men they have sex with

plummer (1966)

‘homosexual career’. men who accept the homosexual label seek others and join a subculture. this is a process.