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?

• media - overwhelmingly heterosexual e.g. love island (despite calls to make it more diverse)

  • religion - Clergy of CofE can marry if they are heterosexual, but not homosexual (a marriage or civil partnership can be blessed, but they are required to be celibate)

how are sexual identities created and reinforced?

• 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?

Use your own knowledge to identify positive representations in media. e.g. heartstopper, rupauls drag race

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.

reid’s (1961)

‘rent boys’ having homosexual sex define themselves as heterosexual.

plummer (1966)

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