INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

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UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND SCHOOL OF HEALTH, NATURAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

SOC 101 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

MODULE LEADER: Dr CHERRIE STUBBS

ASSIGNMENT 3

QUESTION 2: HOW COULD YOU ARGUE THAT OUR UNDERSTANDING OF SEXUALITY AND GENDER IS LINKED TO OUR UNDERSTANDING OF FAMILY FORMATIONS.

STUDENT:         JENNIFER GARTLAND

NO:                032805136

        The investigations in the determinants of gender and sexuality are ongoing; some are biologically orientated while others believe that they are socially constructed.  This essay will discuss the idea that our understanding of sexuality and gender is linked to our understanding of family formations.  It will highlight the diversities and the relationships of sexuality, gender and the family.  It will also draw attention to the theory of how gender is biologically determined and fixed and the family has no influence on gender, but on the other hand the belief that gender is socially constructed, fluid and subject to change and we have to learn gender through processes such as the family.  Sexuality will also be addressed and how heterosexuality and the need for a family shaped and still shape societies norms about sexual preference.

        Gender is defined in the Collins English Dictionary (2003) as ‘state of being male or female’.  Sociologists would argue that it is not so easily defined and that the origins of gender are constantly being investigated.  Biological determinists attach biological characteristics to gender differences (Bilton et al, 2002: 132; Giddens 1998: 91).  They have looked at evidence from animals, measuring hormonal make-up and anatomical differences (which defines the sex) as the reason for differences between masculinity and femininity (Giddens, 1998: 91).  Bilton et al (2002) identifies that biological ‘determinists highlight similarities in male behaviour across different environments.  They argue that male traits (whether a preference for competitive sport, or lack of maternal feeling) have their roots in chromosomal differences…hormonal differences…or some other natural characteristic that distinguishes men from women’ (Bilton et al 2002: 132).

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        This account has been questioned, as it does not account for the range of masculinities and femininities over time, culture and from person to person.  Giddens (1998: 92) draws attention to a case where, through an accident, the sex of an infant had to be changed and they subsequently grew up in the ‘new’ gender not knowing their past.  Evidence such as this stresses that it is not only biological factors that account for gender and gender is not fixed, it can be changed.  Anne Oakley (1972: 156) states, ‘the chief importance of biological sex is in providing a ...

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