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Discussion:
A. Perspectives on Sexuality

“Human sexuality” refers to people’s sexual

interest in and attraction to others; it is the capacity
to have erotic or sexual feelings and experiences.
Sexuality differs from biological sex, in that
“sexuality” refers to the capacity for sexual feelings
and attraction, while “biological sex” refers to how
one’s anatomy, physiology, hormones, and
genetics are classified (typically as male, female, or
intersex). Sexuality is also separate from gender
identity, which is a person’s sense of their own
gender, or sociocultural classification (i.e., man,
woman, or another gender) based on biological sex
(i.e., male or female) as discussed in the first lesson.
It is also distinct from –although it shapes—sexual orientation, or one’s emotional and sexual attraction
to a particular sex or gender.
Sexuality may be experienced and expressed in a variety of ways, including thoughts, fantasies,
desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviors, practices, roles, and relationships. These manifests
themselves not only in biological, physical, and emotional ways, but also in sociocultural ways, which
have to do with the effects of human society and culture on one’s sexuality. Some researchers believe
that sexual behavior is determined by genetics; however, others assert that it is largely molded by the
environment. Human sexuality impacts, and is impacted by, cultural, political, legal, and philosophical
aspects of life, and can interact with issues of morality, ethics, theology, spirituality, or religion.

B. Sexuality Across Cultures

Throughout time and place, the vast majority of human beings have participated in sexual
relationships (Broude 2003). Each society, however, interprets sexuality and sexual activity in different
ways. Human sexuality can be understood as part of the social life of humans, governed by implied
rules of behavior and the status quo. The sociocultural context of society—which includes all social and
cultural factors, from politics and religion to the mass media—not only creates social norms, but also
places major importance on conformity to these norms. Norms dictate what is considered to be

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acceptable behavior; what is considered normal or acceptable in terms of sexual behavior is based
on the norms, mores, and values of the particular society.
Different cultures vary in regard to norms, including how they understand and perceive sexuality,
how they influence the artistic expression of sexual beauty, how they understand the relationship
between gender and sexuality, and how
they interpret and/or judge particular
sexual behaviors (such as premarital sex,
the age of sexual consent, homosexuality,
masturbation, etc.). Societies that value
monogamy, for example, are likely to
oppose extramarital sex. Individuals are
socialized to these mores and values—
starting at a very young age—by their
family, education system, peers, media,
and religion.
Society’s views on sexuality are influenced by everything from religion to philosophy, and they
have changed throughout history and are continuously evolving. Historically, religion has been the
greatest influence on sexual behavior in the United States; however, in more recent years, peers and
the media have emerged as two of the strongest influences, particularly among American teens
(Potard, Courtois, and Rusch, 2008).

C. Culture and Religion

Most world religions have developed moral codes that have sought to guide people’s sexual
activities and practices. The influence of religion on sexuality is especially apparent today in many
countries, like Philippines in the long-debated issue of gay marriage. Some religions view sex as a
sacred act between a man and a woman that should only be performed within marriage; other
religions view certain kinds of sex as shameful or sinful, or stress that sex should only be engaged in for
the purpose of procreation. Many religions emphasize control over one’s sex drive and sexual desire,
or dictate the times or conditions in which sexuality can be expressed. Whether or not sex before
marriage, the use of birth control, polyamorous relationships, or abortion are deemed acceptable, is
often a matter of religious belief.

D. Sexuality and the Media

Mass media in the form of television, magazines, movies, and music continues to shape what is
deemed appropriate or normal sexuality, targeting everything from body image to products meant to
enhance sex appeal. Media serves to perpetuate a number of social scripts about sexual relationships

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and the sexual roles of men and women, many of which have been shown to have both empowering
and problematic effects on people’s (especially women’s) developing sexual identities and sexual
attitudes.

E. Sexuality in the Philippines

Our country is generally
considered as a conservative country.
We often do not openly talk about
sexuality or sex especially at home as it is
considered as taboo.
Premarital sex, homosexuality,
contraception, prostitution, and even
cohabitation is generally condemned yet
commonly practiced in the country. In
addition, the majority of HIV-stricken
Filipinos belong to the younger
generation and the growth is alarming.
It’s true that the youth is slowly adapting to a more liberated society but many of them are learning
from the wrong places, struggling because of Catholic guilt or angst brought by our overwhelmingly
religious country.
For lack of a better term, call our sexual culture repressed. We cannot say that conservatism
and repression are interchangeable at this point but if they are, there is no point in saying whose ‘fault’
it is. You can blame it on religion, the media, or yourself. But just like any other country, we are
challenging ourselves to learn: from understanding nuances surrounding a still-taboo topic to more
permissive conversations with like-minded people.
The Philippines is a country shrouded by mysteries and contradictions, and although we love it
this way, we need our eyes, ears, and minds open to keep the ball rolling
(https://nolisoli.ph/23356/philippines-sex-culture/).

Application:
True or False (10). Directions. Write True if the statement is true and write False if otherwise. Write your
answer on the answer sheet provided.

1. Sexuality is almost the same as gender identity, which is a person’s sense of their own gender,
or sociocultural classification based on biological sex.
2. All cultures have the same norms especially those that are related to sexuality.
3. Society’s views on sexuality are influenced by everything from religion to philosophy, and they
have changed throughout history and are continuously evolving.
4. Gay marriage is a widely accepted tradition in the Philippines.
5. Most world religions have developed moral codes that have sought to guide people’s sexual
activities and practices.
6. All religions have collectively and unanimously agreed with the same-sex relationships.

Learning Module in Gender and Society