How Sexuality is Socially Constructed Essay - 2036 Words

From birth, ones sexuality is shaped by society. Cultures institute behaviors that are to be seen as the societal norms, which work to constantly reinforce societal expectations of how genders should act in relation to one another. Although some may argue that ones sexuality is an innate characteristic resulting from genetic makeup, there is a large amount of evidence pointing to its social construction instead. Through the power differences between males and females, established gender roles, and drastic economic shifts, society establishes sexuality and reinforces the behaviors that are expected of its citizens. As Tamsin Wilton explains in her piece, â€Å"Which One’s the Man? The Heterosexualisation of Lesbian Sex,† society has fronted†¦show more content†¦Wilton later describes how, by turning away from the heterosexual male-female institution, women are taking a crucial step on the path of liberation. Although a woman may be content having relations with a male, the male’s dominant role in society should be enough persuasion for the former to leave such structured relationship so as to explore a freer partnership that goes against societal expectations. Wilton refers to Monique Wittig, a French author and feminist theorist, who states â€Å"our survival demands that we contribute all our strength to the destruction of the class of women within which men appropriate women.† Thus, Wittig expresses that â€Å"heterosexuality is a social system† (Wilton 165). Why heterosexuality is forced upon the majority, however, is still unclear. Emily Martin, in her article, â€Å"The Egg and the Sperm: How Science has Constructed a Romance Based on Stereotypical Male-Female Roles,† explains why this is so. Procreation can only occur upon the union of sperm and egg and their behaviors have created stereotypes which â€Å"imply not only that female biological processes are less worthy than their male counterparts but also that womenShow MoreRelatedSocial Constructionism : Sociology, History, And Philosophy940 Words   |  4 PagesSexuality is the capacity of human beings to have sexually stimulating responses towards another human being. A person’s sexual orientation can influence their sexual interest for another person. However, in society, many people want to see the opposite sex dating the opposite sex, such as a female dating a male. Whenever someone acts against that notion, such as a female dating a female or a male dating a male, people would see that as being deviant. 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