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Module 9 The Sexual Self

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. Differentiate Sex, Gender and Sexuality
2. Identify Different Perspectives on Femininity and Masculinity
3. Identify types of Human Relations
4. Identify the male and female reproduction organs
5. Discuss the triangular Theory of Love

The Sociological perspective of Gender

SEX vs GENDER vs SEXUALITY

Sex
-refers to the biological distinction set by society by assigning humans as “male” or
“female” in terms of genitals, chromosomes or physical or hormonal attributes.

Misconceptions about Sex

a. It is a given before the baby is born
b. Sex is determined by anatomy
c. it is defined by reproductive purposes
d. It is absolute
e. it would be “unnatural” to veer away from pre-determined, anatomy and
reproductive functions.

Gender
-refers is not strictly dependent on biological attributes but is also factors in how a person
perceives his/her identify. The concept of gender preference arose because it takes into
account norms, activities, roles or attitudes that account for an individual’s perception
about his/her gender

Alignment of sex and gender is not always the case. While in most cases people are
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“Cis-gender”, these are people whose biological body is aligned with the gender identity,
we can also have the idea cases of people being
“transgender”, where the biological attributes of a person do not match his/her perception
or view of his/her gender, we also have
“gender queer”, who are individuals, these people are “gender fluid” because they do not
identify with a particular gender or sexual assignment.

Sexuality
 Refers to experiences, attraction, practices and identity that describes sexual
attraction. Sexuality can be
o Heterosexual
o Lesbian
o Gay
o Bisexual
o Queer etc…
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Sex, Gender and Sexuality – Sociology Definitions. By OtherSociology.com

) Adapted from Sex, Gender and Sexuality – Sex, Gender and Sexuality – Sociology Definitions. By
OtherSociology.comhttps://othersociologist.com/sociology-of-gender/)

Different Cultural Perspectives on Feminine and Masculine

1. Europeans
> During the 1th and 17th Century, men in Europe would wear high heels to signify their wealth. Albeit
being difficult to walk on, it actually signifies power and being masculine.

2. Nigeria
> The Wodaabe tribe will have men wear make-up, jewelry and have beautiful attires to dance in front of
women during a special ritual to attract a partner.

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3. Native Americans
> The Navajo Nation of Arizona believe in the “two-spirit”. It is a belief that there are certain individuals
born with two genders who both display a feminine and masculine side.

4, Different African Culture

 Have allowed marriage of two women, the other party being identified as the “female husband”,
granted that the women are already married to a man. This relationship does not involve
intercourse but exists for economic reasons.

5. Thailand
> Referred to as “kathoey” or lady boys. These are individual whose sex is male biologically but identify
themselves eventually as being women.

Human Relations
1. SENSUALITY
> Not to confused with sexuality, sensuality is acceptance of our own body and the capacity to experience
gratification. It involves;
o knowledge of anatomy & physiology
o understanding sexual response
o body image

2. INTIMACY
 Close ties, a feeling of familiarity to a person/individual which may evoke the following feelings;
o caring
o sharing
o risk taking
o vulnerability
o self-disclosure
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3. SEXUAL IDENTITY
> Refers to an individual’s:
o gender roles
o orientation
o self-esteem & confidence level
o relationships with family & friends
o perception of self as male/female

4. Human Reproduction
> also known as sexual reproduction through sexual intercourse of a male and female individual.
Although with the advancement of science and technology, human reproduction is now possible though
in vitro fertilization or having a surrogate mother.

The use of birth control or contraceptives has also been an option for some people who do not want to
conceive yet. Certain issue surrounding reproduction are the following:
 contraception & fertility issues
 lifestyles
 STDs (including AIDS)
 anatomy & physiology
 morality issues

5. Equalization vs. Objectification

Objectification is viewing a person as a sexual object for own pleasure disregarding the person’s feelings
or emotions.
Sexualization is viewing a person who is not naturally sexual but seeing it as such.
Examples of sexualization may be in the following forms:
o style of dress
o Example women who are wearing a two-piece bathing suit is sexualized that women who
wear a one-piece bathing suit.
o appearance & body language
o Advertising
o Girls nipples would not be shown ion commercial but is it okay for boys to be seen on
commercials shirtless.
o movies, talk shows & media

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o Belly dancing is viewed as a sensual dance but it people disregard the technique and
history behind it.
o harassment & sexual assault

Female
Anatomy

Figure 1 Female Reproductive System

Adapted from: http://anatomyhumancharts.com/female-reproductive-system

MENSTRUAL CYCLE
 MENSTRUATION
 MENARCHE:
 MENOPAUSE:
 MAN-OPAUSE
 DYSMENORRHEA:
 PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME
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Male
Anatomy

Adapted from https://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/male_anatomy.html

SEXUAL FUNCTIONS
 ERECTION
 EJACULATION
 STAGE 1 ~ EMISSION:
 STAGE 2 ~ EXPULSION:
 RETROGRADE EJACULATION:
 APHRODISIAC

Sexual Repsonses in Humans:

 Are physical, emotional and chemical changes that happen when a person is aroused during sexual
intercourse are partcipates in suxually stimulating activities.
 APHRODISIAC
 PHEROMONES
 ORGASM

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LOVE & ATTRACTION

 Plainly put attraction is short lived while love is a strong or intense feeling of affection to an
individual which is usually attached with a strong emotional feeling.

TRIANGULAR THEORY OF LOVE

Triangular Theory of Love Model by Robert Sternberg

Adapted from https://psych2go.net/according-sternbergs-love-theory-three-components-love-
commitment-passion-intimacy/

Robert Sternberg is a psychologist who attempted to explain and proposed his theory about different
kinds of love and identified three components namely:
1. INTIMACY
-intense feeling of closeness or attcahment to a person
2. PASSION
-in depth fiery feeling or attractedness which can be sexual or romantic attraction.
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3. COMMITMENT / DECISION:
-is a combination of intimacy and passion which can cover commintment that is either for a
long term or short term basis.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

Nowadays, information is easily accessible and available to all. Adolescents, during the crucial time of
development and being aware of their sexuality may access information that may disorient their
perception of love or sex.

Teenagers in the Philippines engaging in sexual activities have increased in the past couple of years

Statistics showing the increase of Filipino Teenage Mothers

Adapted from https://angle3jrn2.wordpress.com/2013/10/14/326/

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Below of this alarming rate, teenagers should be aware of common sexually transmited infections that
they made be susceptible with because of unprotected or early engagement in sexual activities. Below
are some of the types of sexual infections:

Common sexually transmitted infections

Adapted from http://www.itsyoursexlife.com/stds-testing-gyt/comparison/std-faqs

References and Supplementary Materials

Online Supplementary Reading Materials

https://practicesafesex.weebly.com/stds.html
https://sciencing.com/process-reproduction-humans-5406051.html
https://othersociologist.com/sociology-of-gender/
https://www.advocatesforyouth.org/3rscurric/documents/9-Lesson-4-3Rs-
OrientationBehaviorandIdentity-PPT.pptx

https://www.slideshare.net/AngelicaKayGo/sex-and-sexuality-powerpoint?from_action=save

http://www.markgrayassociates.co.uk/sexuality-relationships-and-human-rights-for-people-with-
learning-disabilities/

https://psych2go.net/according-sternbergs-love-theory-three-components-love-
commitment-passion-intimacy/
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Week 8 MODULE 8 SEXUALITY

Course Module