Professional Documents
Culture Documents
PSYCHOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE
Definition of Terms:
Psychosocial: a term pertaining to psychological and social factors and the
interaction of these factors.
Psychosocial Issues: needs and concerns relating to one or all of the
psychosocial dimensions.
Reproductive Role: the social script ascribed to individuals performing to
their role in child-bearing or child-rearing and related tasks such as
maintaining the household.
Productive Role: the social script ascribed to individuals pertaining to their
role in economic production and related tasks such as engaging in public
affairs and living in the world of work.
INTRODUCTION:
In the previous sessions, we discussed the biological dimensions of sexuality. We learned
that the human person has biological mechanisms for sexual growth and reproduction, and that
depending on sex, these mechanisms differ.
Also, it was emphasized that these reproductive mechanisms are interpreted by societies,
thereby, creating differentiated social standards for behavior and expectations. For instance, since
the human female is capable of bearing a child, the society interprets this capacity as associated
to womanhood, and thus, sets the fulfillment of the reproductive role as an expectation among
women, conceiving children. On the other hand, the human male has a relatively larger
muscular- skeletal frame, the society expects the human male to perform productive role.
While there are distinct physiological differences, much of the capabilities, except those
involved in reproduction, can actually be performed by either sexes. The limits are only set by
social expectations. This shows that gender and sexuality also have a psychological and social
aspect. This perspective of exploring and understanding human sexuality in the lens of
psychological social process is referred to as psychosocial perspective.
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This means that in studying gender and sexuality, it is important to look into the way
people think, feel and behave since these are linked to one another.
For instance, someone who believes (cognition) that another person is attracted to them
may also feel excited (affect) upon seeing the said person, which may also increase the likelihood
of flirting (behavior).
On the other hand, the social aspects of gender and sexuality primarily anchor itself on the
field of sociology and allied fields such as social psychology. In essence, Sociology is the field of
science which concerns itself with the human person’s realities and experiences as part of groups
and institutions and the dynamics of human relationships within them.
We are social beings. We live our lives in relation to others. Hence, as we try to
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understand ourselves more, we are also in a constant process towards other-awareness, that is
understanding others.
o What is he/she physiologically?
o What is his/her preferences?
o How is he/she different from me?
o What is his/her motivations and aspirations?
Definition of Terms:
Sensorium- the totality of our senses and perception; a conglomerate of the
individual sense organs.
Olfaction- sense of smell
Tactile- something associated with touch
Pheromone- a substance believed to be emitted by organisms and which is
thought to be influencing social behaviors.
Major Histocompatibility Complex- a set of protein molecules associated
with the immune system
INTRODUCTION
When we were children, we were taught that there are five bodily organs which
corresponds to our primary senses. Our eyes enable our sense of sight (visual), so that we are
able to see visual stimuli (color, size, shape) in the environment. Our nose enables us to smell
(olfaction), so that we are able to experience scent. Our ears allow us the sense of hearing
(audition), so that we are able to experience sounds of varying tones, pitches, and volume. Our
tongue is covered with taste buds that allow us the sense of taste (gustation), so that we are
able to experience the taste of our food and other objects that we put in our mouth. We have
the sensory reception in our skin, muscles and joints which allow us the sense of touch/feeling
so that we are able to have tactile experiences.
These five senses make up our sensorium- the totality of our sensory experiences and
perception. While we receive information from our environment through the senses, our brain
has the ability to organize and interpret these numerous stimuli into meaningful ideas that are
useful for our choices (behavior).
and kindness. Others value physical appearance such as facial symmetry, height, vocal
qualities, and scent. Attraction is complicated. (Lents, 2018)
1. Visual Experience
Humans are predominantly visual (Peralta, 2019). One of the most crucial factors in
sexual interest, desire, and arousal is visual stimuli. Sexual attractiveness in terms of visual
appearance is a complex topic and each person probably has a different criterion (Bancroft,
2009). Overall, both men and women value physical attractiveness and this is true across many
different cultures.
However, there are some studies that have explored gender differences in visual stimuli
and sexual arousal.
The study of Rupp & Wallen (2007) found that men respond more to sexual stimuli
and tend to be influenced by the sex of the actor in a sexual scenario. When confronted by an
intimate interaction, men would tend to be rather influenced by visual cues, e.g., how the other
person looks physically or what the person is wearing. On the other hand, women were found
to be more influenced by the context, although they, too, are responsive to the sexual content
of a visual stimuli. This means that when confronted by an intimate interaction, women tend to
be rather influenced by the nature of the relationship they have with another person, e.g., is the
other person someone they know and can trust.
2. Olfactory Experience
Everyone has heard of love at first sight, but nobody ever talks about love at first scent. It
is even more possible that we are drawn to someone by their scent as opposed to their
appearance. Despite the fact that humans don’t act like dogs by smelling everyone we come
into contact with, looking for potential sex partners, some of the ways our body works are very
similar to the ones of other animals.
Scientists have tried to explain how human olfaction influence sexuality. Our noses are
the best compass to find a suitable partner because of two reasons:
A. Pheromones
Pheromones are chemical molecules released in humans, insects, and
animals that trigger a response to or to elicit specific behavioral expressions or
hormonal changes from the opposite sex, the same sex, or both sexes of the same
species. These molecules are contained in body fluids such as urine, sweat,
specialized exocrine glands, and genital mucous secretions. (Mostafa, Khouly, &
Hassan, 2012).
The part of the brain that interprets these chemical messages is the
hypothalamus. This part comprises much of the limbic system, the part of the
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A study by Muscarella, Arantes, and Konscol (2011) explored the preferred scent among
heterosexuals and homosexual males and females. The study found that heterosexual females
tend to like wearing floral-sweet but want musky-spicy scent to be worn by their partners.
Heterosexual males and homosexual females preferred wearing musky-spicy scent and liked
their partners to wear floral-sweet scent. While homosexual males wanted musky-spicy for
themselves and their partner.
3. Tactile Experiences
Touch is an element of intimacy and holds meaning. As a sensation, touch has the
following elements:
1. Tactile – Is it rough? Is it smooth? Is the surface hard or soft?
2. Thermal – Is it warm or cold?
3. Vibrational – Is the pressure of touch strong or weak?
Different parts of the body have different threshold of tactile experience.
Primary Erogenous Zones: mouth, anus, genitals, and nipples. These areas are
very sensitive to touch.
Secondary Erogenous Zones: back, cheek, neck, and buttocks. These areas are
also sensitive, but only supportive of the primary zones in eliciting response.
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These erogenous zones are areas of the body involved in the reproductive and sexual act.
Human touch is essential in social bonds. Often, we only give people we trust the right
to have tactile contact with us. It is always a consensual act to touch and be touched. When we
touch, our body produces a hormone called oxytocin- it is referred to as the love hormone
because it It is observed to be produced in vast amounts during nipple stimulation, such as for
instance when a mother breastfeeds her newborn.
In intimate relationships, touch is suggested to be one of the love languages. A person
whose love language is touch tend to give and receive tactile stimulation to and from others
through holding, hugging, and other forms of physical connections.
4. Auditory Experience
Sexual activities are also a verbal communication process. Sounds give additional
context to sexual situations. In sexual interactions, couples may give verbal erotic encourage-
words that trigger sexual response or verbal expression of affection- words that manifests
feelings (I love you; I miss you).
Recall how certain kinds of music can influence your mood, especially in the presence
of someone you are attracted to. The sounds of love aren’t just in the voice of a person.
Throughout history, lovers used romantic melodies and lyrics to convey their emotions to each
other. This only emphasize the value of sound in human sexuality.
5. Taste Experience
Our taste receptors are a critical part of determining when something is dangerous or
pleasurable. Throughout human history, our taste receptors have helped us identify nutritional
foods and avoid poisons and toxins. We are attracted to sweet and salty flavors, as well as
savory ones, while sour and bitter flavors tend to be aversive in high quantities (which is why
we add sweeteners to lemons, coffee, alcohol, and so on). (Woo, 2022)
In a 2015 study, researchers found that participants who ate sweet candies prior to speed
dating were more likely to report romantic interest in those they met. Studies have found that
after people who consumed something sweet (such as a sugary drink or a cookie) looked at a
photo of a potential partner, they were more likely to desire a relationship with that individual.
Tasting something sweet sets off the brain’s pleasure center, flooding it with dopamine and the
strong urge to repeat the behavior — in this case, the reward of being with that other person.
(Woo, 2022)
“In part, this also helps explain why people use chocolates, candy, and other sweet treats
as a means of seduction,” says Dr. Stieg. (Woo, 2022)
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SUMMARY
The senses are the windows of our consciousness. We are aware, we learn, and
we experience because we can receive information from the environment through our sense’s
organs. The brain is a powerful organ that consolidates and processes these stimuli into
meaningful units and wholes.
References:
Lents, N. H. (2019, December 22). How Our Brain Computes Attraction. Psychology Today.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beastly-behavior/201810/how-our-brain-computes-attraction
Peralta, EP.D., Botor, NJ. B., Laude, T.M. 2019. Gender and Society: A Human Ecological Approach. Manila,
Philippines: Rex Book Store, Inc.
Brocca, J. (2022, March 31). The Science Of Attraction: Falling In Love Through The Sense Of Smell. Cultura
Colectiva. https://culturacolectiva.com/technology/science-smell-attraction-love/
John Bancroft, Human Sexuality and Its Problems (Third Edition), Churchill Livingstone, 2009, Page i, ISBN
9780443051616, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-05161-6.00024-0.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780443051616000240)
Taymour Mostafa, Ghada El Khouly, Ashraf Hassan, Pheromones in sex and reproduction: Do they have a role in
humans?, Journal of Advanced Research, Volume 3, Issue 1, 2012, Pages 1-9, ISSN 2090-1232,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2011.03.003.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090123211000397)
Woo, A. (2022, February 12). The Science Behind Love: How Your Brain and Five Senses Help You Fall in
Love. NewYork-Presbyterian. https://healthmatters.nyp.org/the-science-behind-love-how-your-brain-and-five-
senses-help-you-fall-in-love/
SEXUAL BEHAVIORS
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Definition of Terms:
Sexual Behavior- an action with sexual intention and context.
Erotic- related to sexual stimulation; has something to do with
the erogenous zones
Sexual Response Cycle- sequence of events from arousal to orgasm
to resolution of sexual tension.
Sexual Dysfunction- a concern or problem in any of these phases of
the sexual response cycle.
Copulatory Behavior- related to the insertion of the penis to the vagina.
Paraphilia- arousal from non-living objects or nonconsenting persons.
INTRODUCTION
In the previous discussions, you have learned that psychology has three primary
components: Affect (emotions & feelings), cognition (thought process) and behavior
(actions). Hence, when used as a framework in understanding human sexuality, it is only
appropriate to explore the diversity of behaviors related to our understanding of human
sexuality.
What is behavior? In simple terms, it refers to actions. These are things that we do,
both overt (observable) and covert (not readily observable by the naked eye). On a daily
basis, we act because of motivation- something that drives us to do something.
Unlike feelings and thoughts, behavior is readily measurable. You can look at its
frequency-how many times an action is done in a span of time. You can also check on
duration- how long does an action take place. A behavior has an intensity- the magnitude by
which it is done. Then there is diversity- what are the varieties of similar behavior done in
various context or what are the different behaviors we are capable of depending on our
physical characteristics.
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SEXUAL BEHAVIORS
These are actions that humans interpret as an expression of their sexual motivation or
intention. It is important to remember that behaviors are given meaning by people. For
instance,
while hugging and kissing maybe considered sexual in nature, this is not always the case
because the context of the behavior matters.
Sexual behaviors are generally erotic because they involve any of the primary or
secondary erogenous zones. Sexual behaviors can be typed according to the aim of the
behavior:
Auto-erotic: self-directed (masturbation, or the stimulation of one’s own genitals)
Homoerotic: directed to the same sex
Heteroerotic: directed to the other sex
For reproductive purposes, copulation or the insertion of the penis to the vagina is
necessary. However, sexual behaviors do not only refer to copulation. They also include an
array of non- copulatory sexual behaviors such as hugging, kissing, and caressing. There are
also sexual behaviors that involve oral stimulation of genitals such as fellatio (oral stimulation
of the penis) or cunnilingus (oral stimulation of the vagina). Then, there are also sexual
behaviors involving the stimulation or penetration of the ana orifice (anal sex).
PARAPHILIAS
There are sexual behaviors that are relatively atypical due to the following reasons:
• They are not prevalent
• They are dangerous to self and others
• They are bizarre and are not socially acceptable
• They are distressing either to the doer or to other people involved in the act.
SUMMARY
The behavioral aspect of human sexuality provides a holistic perspective as to how
physiological and psychological elements coalesce towards action. In certain cases, behaviors
often serve as an indicator whether an organism is functional or not. By knowing what
behavior normal and acceptable, and what behavior is is the exact opposite, we are able to
make intelligent judgements on issues concerning human sexuality
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Learning objectives:
At the end of the chapter, the students must have:
1. Understood the meaning of socialization;
2. Explained the agents of socialization
3. Describe how agents of socialization contribute in the development of self;
4. Explained the dynamics of gender role socialization;
5. Understood gender issues and concerns.
A. Definition
Socialization refers to the lifelong process of learning to become a member of the social
world, beginning at birth and continuing until death. It is a lifelong experience by which
individuals develop their human potential and learn culture. The process through which
people learn to behave, think, and feel as individuals in relation to their environments.
Gender socialization encompasses the process of learning society’s gender roles and their
advantages and limitations.
The Role of Nature – how much personality is determined by our biological inheritance.
The Role of Nurture – how much personality is determined by social-cultural environment.
C. Agents of Socialization
ourselves. People and groups that influence our self-concept, emotions, attitudes, and
behavior are called agents of socialization.
The main agents of gender socialization are family, peers, school, workplace,
mass media, and the church/religion.
Family
The family is perhaps the most important agent of socialization for
children. Parents’ values and behavior patterns profoundly influence those
of their daughters and sons.
Peer
Our peers also help socialize us and may even induce us to violate social
norms. The influence of peer group typically peaks during adolescents.
However, peer groups generally only affect short term interest unlike the
family, which has long term influence.
School
Schools socialize children by teaching them their formal curricula but also
a hidden curriculum that imparts the cultural values of the society in which
the schools are found.
Schools teach set of expectations about the work, profession, or
occupations they will follow when they mature. Schools have the formal
responsibility of imparting knowledge in those disciplines which are most
central to adult functioning in our society.
Workplace
At the workplace, a person meets people of different age groups and
belonging to different social and cultural backgrounds.
Mass Media
The mass media are another agent of socialization. Television shows,
movies, popular music, magazines, web sites, and other aspects of the
mass media influence our political views; our tastes in popular culture; our
views of women, people of color, and gays; and many other beliefs and
practices.
Church
Many religious institutions also uphold gender norms and contribute to
their enforcement through socialization. From ceremonial rites of passage
that reinforce the family unit to power dynamics that reinforce gender
roles, organized religion fosters a shared set of socialized values that are
passed on through society.
In general, it may be said that the total society is the agency for socialization and that
each person with whom one comes into contact and interact is in somewhat an agent of
socialization.
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D. Role
Role conflict – occurs when incompatible demands are built into a single status that a
person occupies (e.g., a woman whose roles include fulltime employee, mother, wife,
caregiver for an elderly parent, community volunteer).
Role Strain – occurs when incompatible demands are built into a single status that a person
occupies (e.g., doctor to a public clinic who is responsible for keeping expenditures
down and providing high quality patient care simultaneously).
Role exit – occurs when people disengage from social roles that have been that have been
central to their identity (e.g., divorced women and men, retirees, ex-nuns).
Gender Role Socialization is the process of learning and internalizing culturally approved
ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving according to one’s gender.
1st stage: Manipulation – where people treat boys and girls differently
2nd stage: Canalization – people will direct their attention to gender appropriate objects
exemplified by toys
3rd stage: Verbal Appellation – words used to tell children what they are.
4th stage: Activity Exposure – children are familiarized with gender appropriate task.
2. Education/Schools
Schools reinforce sexist concepts e.g., textbooks depict stereotyped roles like
females as mother, housewives, sewers, or well-behaved girls, and males as
fathers, workers, or naughty adventurous little boys.
Education steered field of study for females (nursing, secretarial, HRM, etc.)
and males (politics, engineering, science, etc.)
3. Language
4. Churches/ Religion
5. Mass Media
Print and broadcast media are most effective socializing agent; subtle and
often subconscious way plus long amount of time people expose themselves
to media.
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c. Gender roles are deep-seated in the culture as well as beliefs and value systems of
the society. Pervasive social control further reinforces, maintains, and sanctions
gender roles. THEREFORE, ALL OF US NEEDS TO BE CONSCIOUS OF OUR
BELIEFS AND ASSUMPTIONS AS THESE OFTEN IMPEDE THE
ATTAINMENT OF OUR FULL POTENTIAL AS HUMAN BEINGS AND
THOSE FOR WHICH WE ARE RESPONSIBLE.
1. Marginalization
The process which forces women out into the periphery of economic and
social life; on the periphery of decision making, as well as diminishing the
value of the activities in which they contribute to the national development
process.\
2. Subordination
Is the institutionalized domination by men and women
Position (very few women in politics and top positions)
Status (weaker sex)
Decision making (women are not included in planning and decision-making
process.)
VISION: Quality participation in decision making, recognition of capabilities
3. Multiple Burden
Involvement in the three spheres of work: reproduction, production, and
community work (parenting, housework, work in the public/private sector).
VISION: Shared parenting, shared housework; shared breadwinning.
4. Gender Stereotypes
Fixed, unquestioned beliefs or images we carry in the back of our minds about
men and women
VISION: Liberation from stereotyped images: non-sexist child rearing, non-sexist
language.
5. Violence Against Women
Acts of instilling fear and inflicting pain with the aim to injure, or abuse a
person usually women using intimidation, emotional abuse, isolation,
minimizing, denying, and blaming, using their children, using male privilege,
using economic abuse, using coercion, and threats.
VISION: Freedom from violence, freedom from harassment, control over one’s
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F. Gender Sensitivity
Gender Sensitivity
Book References:
Fouda et. al., 2017. Theoretical Perspective on Gender and Development. Edited by 3G E-
learning LLC, USA. ISBN 978-1-68095-615-3
Mendoza et. al., 2014. Workbook in General Sociology. Central Mindanao University. CMU
IMDC. Unpublished.
Online References:
https://archive.unescwa.org/gender-discrimination
https://share.stanford.edu/get-informed/learn-topics/gender-discrimination
https://www.equalrights.org/issue/economic-workplace-equality/discrimination-at-work/
https://www.unicef-irc.org/evidence-for-action/what-is-gender-socialization-and-why-does-it-
matter/
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Lesson Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. Differentiate stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination; and
2. Understand the manifestations of stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination
Definition of Terms:
INTRODUCTION
There are 7.7 billion people across 195 countries and every race has their own belief
systems, religion, culture, and tradition. Yet, each individual is a unique mix of their own. That is
why appreciating diversity is very important to fully understand the human experience and for us
to coexist peacefully.
However, understanding diversity requires us to broaden our appreciation of the many
facets of the human race and recognize that we have our own stereotypes, prejudice, and
discrimination too.
STEREOTYPES
Stereotypes are an “over-generalized belief about a particular group or class of people”
(Cardwell 1996). It can be helpful in simplifying things, after all, there are 7.7 billion people in
the planet. When we meet someone for the first time, we associate with them certain
characteristics and abilities that we usually base on the group they belong to.
While some stereotypes convey positive examples (like a student from Ivy League
schools would be stereotyped as very intelligent or matalino, or Filipinos being known for our
hospitality), most stereotypes, however, are drawn from negative generalizations like equating
our Muslim countrymen as terrorists and viewing farmers and blue-collar workers as lazy and
less educated.
It reflects our expectations and beliefs and is largely based on the social circle we belong
to as we try to conform or agree to the standard way of thought. However, these stereotypes
change through time depending on social and political conditions.
Stereotypes can be categorized into two:
1. Explicit – meaning the person is aware that they have these thoughts towards a group
of people and they can say it out loud.
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2. Implicit – meaning the person does not know if they have these stereotypes since it
lies in their subconscious.
When the stereotype is explicit, a person can choose not to turn their stereotypes into
actions. While with an implicit stereotype, a person has no control or awareness of it, and it may
manifest into actions or behavior.
PREJUDICE
Prejudice is an “unjustified or incorrect attitude (usually negative) towards an individual
based solely on the individual’s membership of a social group” (McLeod 2008). Prejudice
represents our emotional response upon learning of a person’s membership to a specific group
(like age, skin color, race, disability, generation, nationality, religion, sex, sexual expression,
gender expression, and so on).
This negative attitude (prejudice) can be dangerous since it often leads to negative actions
and behaviors. For example, a sexist person is someone who has negative attitude towards the
other sex and sees them as the lesser sex. This negative attitude could manifest into action such
as bullying, discrimination, or violence.
DISCRIMINATION
Discrimination refers to actions or behaviors towards an individual or a group of people.
According to the United Nations, “discriminatory behaviors take many forms, but they all
involve some form of exclusion or rejection”.
People who are discriminated on are treated worse than the way people are usually
treated just because they belong to a certain group or they have certain characteristics. Here are a
few examples of discrimination:
1. Genocide is the action of recognizing someone as different so much that they are
treated inhumanly and degraded.
2. Apartheid (means separateness) is a form of racial discrimination wherein one race is
viewed as less than the other, resulting in the separation of black and whites and the
mass murder of Jews in concentration camps.
3. Gender discrimination is another form of discrimination. Statistically, women earn
less than men and are often relegated to be solely responsible for child-rearing and
house chores. Men, on the other hand, are discriminated in household responsibilities
such that they are perceived as less manly when they do their share of house chores or
when they become stay at home husbands.
4. LGBT discrimination happens when LGBT people are treated as lesser than straight
people. Discrimination happens early in their childhood as they get bullied when they
act differently or dress differently than other kids. During adolescence, they get
judged, bullied, or physically assaulted as they explore and express their sexuality.
properties. That form of institutional discrimination was based on illogical or irrational judgment
that women are weaker than men.
Introduction
Labels are powerful words to discriminate and oppress people. The use of
‘Aryan race’ as a word which means ‘superior’ (by the German Nazi). ‘Jews’
and ‘homosexual’; to justify their mass murder – what they called as
‘inferior’ race. Use of language; empower people to claim their space in the
society – political sphere.
In china 600 BCE, they use the terms pleasures of the bitten peach and
brokeback.
(Aurelia, 2020)
Coming out – 1 noun : the process by which one accepts and/or comes to
identify one’s own sexuality or gender identity (to “come out” to oneself). 2
verb : the process by which one shares one’s sexuality or gender identity
with others.
Down low – adj. : typically referring to men who identify as straight but
who secretly have sex with men. Down low (or DL) originated in, and is
most commonly used by, communities of color.
Gender binary – noun : the idea that there are only two genders and that
every person is one of those two.
Gender variant – adj. : someone who either by nature or by choice does not
conform to gender-based expectations of society (e.g. transgender,
transsexual, intersex, genderqueer, cross-dresser, etc).
lesbian – noun & adj. : women who are primarily attracted romantically,
erotically, and/or emotionally to other women.
LGBTQ; GSM; DSG – abbr. : shorthand or umbrella terms for all folks who
have a non-normative (or queer) gender or sexuality, there are many
different initialisms people prefer. LGBTQ is Lesbian Gay Bisexual
Transgender and Queer and/or Questioning (sometimes people at a + at the
end in an effort to be more inclusive); GSM is Gender and Sexual
Minorities; DSG is Diverse Sexualities and Genders. Other options include
the initialism GLBT or LGBT and the acronym QUILTBAG (Queer [or
Questioning] Undecided Intersex Lesbian Trans* Bisexual Asexual [or
Allied] and Gay [or Genderqueer]).
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Metrosexual – adj. : a man with a strong aesthetic sense who spends more
time, energy, or money on his appearance and grooming than is considered
gender normative.
MSM / WSW – abbr. : men who have sex with men or women who have sex
with women, to distinguish sexual behaviors from sexual identities:
because a man is straight, it doesn’t mean he’s not having sex with men.
Often used in the field of HIV/Aids education, prevention, and treatment.
Mx. / “mix” or “schwa” / – noun : an honorific (e.g. Mr., Ms., Mrs., etc.)
that is gender neutral. It is often the option of choice for folks who do not
identify within the gender binary: Mx. Smith is a great teacher.
passing – 1 adj. & verb : trans* people being accepted as, or able to “pass
for,” a member of their self-identified gender identity (regardless of sex
assigned at birth) without being identified as trans*. 2 adj. : an LGB/queer
individual who is believed to be or perceived as straight.
QPOC / QTPOC – abbr. : initialisms that stand for queer people of color
and queer and/or trans people of color.
Third gender – noun : for a person who does not identify with either man
or woman, but identifies with another gender. This gender category is used
by societies that recognize three or more genders, both contemporary and
historic, and is also a conceptual term meaning different things to different
people who use it, as a way to move beyond the gender binary.
Top surgery – noun : this term refers to surgery for the construction of a
male-type chest or breast augmentation for a female-type chest.
` – alternate pronouns that are gender neutral and preferred by some trans*
people. They replace “he” and “she” and “his” and “hers” respectively.
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Alternatively some people who are not comfortable/do not embrace he/she
use the plural pronoun “they/their” as a gender neutral singular pronoun.
Suchlike other parts of our identity; race and ethnicity, SOGIE really
Matters. Indeed, it is an essential part of our identity that can determine and
shape our needs and experiences. Thus, here are the following some
importance and relevance of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and/or
Expression:
bridge the current gap. At the international level, “human rights” are “the
minimum standard that must be protected,” and it’s not a radical idea that has
recently emerged. The United Nations adopted the idea of human rights and
sexual issues, gender identity in 2011 for the first time. It means they
expanded the protection to more people to the SOGIE level at this time. Since
then, there’s been an awareness campaign called “Free & Equal.”
“End”
References
Peralta, E.P.D., Botor, N.J.B.,& Laude, T.M.P. Laude (2019). A Course Module for Gender
and Society: A Human Ecology Approach . Rex ook store, inc. (rbsi), Sampaloc,
Manila. First edition. ISBN 978-621-04-0099-1
Inoue, N. (2022, February 15). Everyone has a SOGIE: Understanding orientation, gender and
expression: Sustainability from Japan. Zenbird. Retrieved January 28, 2023, from
https://zenbird.media/everyone-has-a-sogie-understanding-orientation-gender-and-
expression/#:~:text=SOGIE%20is%20essential%20to%20help,build%20foundations%20of
%20human%20civilization.
CHAPTER 3: UNDERSTANDING GENDER AND SEXUALITY FROM A
PSYCHOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
This module discusses the many faces of men and masculinities. It also discusses themes
of masculinity and its relationship with well-being, fathering, domestic roles, and drug and
alcohol use. This module finally deals with hegemonic, protest, and caring masculinities. At the
end of this module, you are expected to:
1. Understand fully men’s studies and the constructs of masculinity;
2. Know fully the themes of masculinity and its relationship with well-being, fathering,
domestic roles, and drug and alcohol use; and
3. Comprehend hegemonic, protest, and caring masculinities
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
o Masculinities – a social, cultural, and historical construction of men dependent on and
related to other factors such as class, ethnicity, sexuality, age, and disability.
o Hegemonic Masculinity – form of masculinity which is culturally dominant in a given
setting.
o Protest Masculinity – form of masculinity which is culturally dominant in a
marginalized setting.
o Caring Masculinity – proposes that men are able to adopt what is viewed as
traditionally feminine characteristics.
INTRODUCTION
Since 1970s, studies on different aspects of manhood (from men in the labor market to
men in the family and violent men, etc.) were made. By the 20th century, the number of these
studies increased dramatically.
A growing body of literature theorizing men and masculinities focuses on a variety of
topics including men’s violence, fatherhood, pornography, men’s crimes, female masculinity,
male femininity, etc. These studies arose despite the clear dominance of men over global
economic and political power. Men make up a large majority of corporate executives, top
professionals, and holders of public office. Worldwide, men held 93% of cabinet-level posts in
1996 and most top positions in international agencies (Gierycz 1999).
Essentialist views of gender are still popular and are constantly reinforced in the media.
However, they are increasingly under challenge, not only in biology (Fausto-Sterling 1992), but
also in everyday life. The rise of the women’s liberation movement, and many feminisms that
have followed on from it, produced a massive disturbance in the gender system and people’s
assumptions about gender.
Large numbers of men now acknowledge that their position is under challenge, that what
they once took for granted about must be re-thought, making men’s studies and masculinity
became popular.
“Men are now the gender victims as a result of feminism having gone too far, with men
having increased responsibilities but few rights around issues of marriage, divorce, child custody
and access to children.”
Modern legislation is seen to be overprotective of women’s interests, resulting in
discrimination against men at a time when they are under increasing threat within a rapidly
changing society.
Still, some researchers argue that these pro-male movements were only a reaction to
feminism – an attempt to accuse women and feminists for creating problems that men encounter
in society.
MASCULINITY THEMES
Masculinity is a social, cultural, and historical construct dependent on and related to other
factors such as class, ethnicity, sexuality, age, and disability. Researches on men’s studies and
masculinity established common themes which strengthened and developed this evolving
concepts.
1. Multiple Masculinity
Accordingly, there is no one pattern of masculinity that is found everywhere.
Different cultures and different periods of history, construct masculinity differently.
Some cultures make heroes of soldiers and regard violence as the ultimate test of masculinity.
Other cultures look at soldiering with disdain and regard violence as contemptible.
Some countries regard homosexual sex as incompatible with true masculinity. Other
countries think that no person can be a real man without having had homosexual relationships.
The meaning of masculinity in working-class life is different from the meaning in
middle-class life and same goes among the very rich and the very poor. It is even possible that
more than one kind of masculinity can be found within a given cultural setting and within a
specific class.
This only shows that masculinities cannot be delimited to a sole definition or description
as various countries, culture, and levels in life view this concept differently.
Hegemonic masculinity did not mean violence, although it could be supported by force; it
meant ascendancy achieved through culture, institutions, and persuasion.
Hegemonic masculinity in Western society hinges on heterosexuality, economic
autonomy, being able to provide for one’s family, being rational, being successful, keeping one’s
emotions in check, and above all, not doing anything considered feminine. Hegemonic male
norms stress values such as courage, aggression, autonomy, mastery, technological skill,
adventure, toughness in mind and body.
Hegemonic masculinity is hegemonic not just in relation to other masculinities, but in
relation to the gender order as a whole. This is an expression of the privilege men collectively
have over women.
The hierarchy of masculinities is an expression of the unequal shares in that privilege
held by different groups of men. Thus, some masculinities are deemed as higher than the others,
as well as higher than other forms of gender.
3. Collective Masculinities
Gender structures of a society define particular patterns of conduct of individuals as
either “masculine” or “feminine”. These patterns also exist at the collective level in institutions,
such as corporations, armies, governments, and even schools. Masculinities are also defined
collectively in the workplace and in informal groups like street gangs.
Masculinity also exists impersonally in culture. Video games, for example, circulate
stereotyped images of violent masculinity. Cinema and TV shows portray stereotypes
masculinity such as abandoning father, disgruntled student, abusive partner, and the drug
convict.