Sociology of Sex, Gender, and Sexuality

Introduction to Sex and Sexuality

Society considers sex a private and primeval part of human life.
Despite its privacy, sex and sexuality are embedded within society and influenced by social norms.

Sex (Biological Category): Distinction between females (XX chromosomes) and males (XY chromosomes).
- Primary Sex Characteristics: Develop in utero, involve reproductive organs.
- Secondary Sex Characteristics: Develop at puberty, include traits like pubic hair, enlarged breasts.
Intersex: People with sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary notions.
- Variations in chromosomes (e.g., Klinefelter Syndrome, Triple-X Syndrome).
- Affects 1 in 1500-2000 births or up to 2% of the population if broadly defined.
- Societal responses vary; Western society often pushed for corrective measures.

Gender: Social and psychological traits considered appropriate for males and females.
- Masculinities and Femininities: Characteristics assigned to men and women.
- Gender as Social Construction: Not biologically determined, but shaped by societal norms.
Gender Expression: Performance of gender through appearance, behavior, and personal traits.
Gender Identity: Personal, internal sense of one's gender.
- Transgender: Gender identity doesn't match assigned sex at birth.
- Cisgender: Gender identity matches assigned sex.
- Gender is not binary; multiple ways to express femininities and masculinities.

Sexuality: Encompasses sexual acts, desire, arousal, and orientation.
- Sexual Orientation: Attraction to same or other gender(s).
  - Heterosexual: Attraction to other gender.
  - Homosexual: Attraction to same gender.
  - Bisexual/Pansexual: Attraction to multiple genders.
  - Asexual: No sexual attraction.
Variations in definitions and societal norms affect privacy and measurement of orientations.

Symbolic-Interactionism: Sexuality is socially constructed.
- Sexual Scripts: Cultural norms dictating sexual behavior and meanings.
Structural Functionalism: Organized sexuality is necessary for societal reproduction and stability.
- Norms controlled reproduction and family structure.
- Incest Taboo: Prohibits intercourse among close relatives.
Social Conflict Theory: Regulation of sexuality reinforces inequalities.
- Heteronormativity: Assumes only two genders, links gender to biological sex, and privileges heterosexuality.
- Queer Theory: Challenges heteronormativity and naturalness of gender roles and heterosexuality.

Sociology reveals the social construction of sex, gender, and sexuality.
These elements structure society and perpetuate inequalities.
Understanding these concepts helps us critically evaluate societal norms and values.