SEX
Sex is defined based on the biological characteristics of an individual. Sex identifies people either as female or male. The natural features may not be mutually exclusive since people who possess both sexes do exist ( Walinder, 1968). The term sex very frequently is used in reference to sexual activity. However, on technical grounds or in the sexuality context and discussions concerning sexual health, the gender-based explanation used above is preferable.
Sexual health will, therefore, come in as a state of mental well-being, mental, social wellness, and emotional. It does not just mean the disease is not there. It is not the absence of dysfunction. Neither is it the absence of infirmity ( Harris & Allen, 1994). Sexual relations need to be approached with respect and positivity if wellness is to be attained. Rights of all in terms of sexuality must be respected for the health thereof to be accomplished.
It is difficult to understand, define, or make sexual health active without an expanded consideration since sexuality underlies important outcomes and behaviors relating to sexual well-being. Sexuality can, therefore, be defined as the core sense of being human the entire life encompassing gender peculiarities, sexual orientation, reproduction, and eroticism, as well as intimacy. It is felt and relayed in thoughts, fantasies, beliefs, practices, behaviors, as well as relationships. As much as it can encompass all of the categories mentioned, not every aspect is always expressed and experienced. Sexuality is majorly affected by how we interact psychologically, biologically, economically, socially, culturally, politically, historically, legally, as well as spiritually.
Sexual rights
A general agreement exists that to achieve sexual well-being, protection of and respecting individual human rights must be upheld. The definition of sexual rights as given below, therefore, has remained a continuing dialogue ( Bhattacharyya, 2005). The attainment of sexual well-being dramatically depends on how far individual rights get protected and honored. The following reasons for humans are considered critical.
- The rights not to be discriminated against and to be treated equally.
- The right to exemption from cruelty or torture.
- License to privacy.
- Highest health standards attainable as well as social safety.
- We are getting married, having a family, and marrying freely with both parties consenting—equality within marriage and when dissolving the union.
- Decide the spacing of children, as well as how many children to have.
- The right to be informed and educated.
- The right to be free, to express opinions.
- The right to effective recourse for fundamental rights violations.
All persons must, therefore, respect the rights of others to exercise responsibility. Sexual rights ensure that the rights of people to express themselves sexually and be able to feel that their sexual health is protected with necessary regard to other’s rights within the outline or framework of protection against discrimination.
QUESTION TWO
The sexuality of humans refers to the sexual tendencies of people and their attractions to one another. It is the capability of having sexual feelings and erotic tendencies ( Lancaster, 1997). It is different sex in the biological sense since it is referring to the ability of sexual desires as well as attraction. It’s also separate from gender identity or based on sex in the physical sense, either a girl or a boy ( Sears & James, 1992). It significantly differs from sexual preference or one’s sexual and emotional attraction to people of a specific gender. It will, however, shape it.
Biology may play a very significant role, but the way one expresses sexuality and acts upon it is influenced majorly by culture ( Freedman, 2006). Every society will translate or understand sexuality or sexual orientations differently. Sexuality in humans can be interpreted as portions of the human social tendencies that are ruled by implied laws or conduct and the status quo. Common standards will determine what is considered as acceptable behavior; what is regarded as normal or acceptable as far as sexual behavior is concerned is based on the typical values of a particular society ( Heckert & Jamie, 2018). Different cultural beliefs vary in regards to standard benefits, including how they affect the art show of sexual beauty, how sexuality is understood and perceived, how particular sexual behaviors are interpreted and judged like premarital sex, age of sexual consent, homosexuality, etc.
Societies that highly esteem monogamy is highly likely to be against extramarital sex. People are socialized to these habits and principles by education systems, peers, religion, family, media, etc. from a very young age ( Cohen, 1994). Society’s opinions on sexuality are determined by all things right from philosophy to religion and have consistently been dynamic throughout history as they continue evolving. Historically, spirituality has presented the most significant impact on sexual tendencies in the United States ( Biller, 1974). Still, in recent years, media and peers have come up as two of the most significant influences among American teens.
People the world over find that the necessary conditions of their lives, health, education, safety, work, as well as free expression, are fundamentally shaped by their gender or sex. Most of society’s views on sex are based on religious teachings that have been passed down through generations. From observations that sex should be performed only within the confines of marriage and used for procreation (Carlson, 2014) to the heated debate of sex education in the school system, our society tends to view sex as an act with high moral restrictions. These views have led our community to see sex as a moral issue that should not be publicized, least likely discussed in an open manner
Works cited
Wålinder Jan. “Transsexualism: definition, prevalence sex distribution.” Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica 43.S203 (1968): 255-258.
Harris, Allen C. “Ethnicity as a determinant of sex role identity: A replication study of item selection for the Bem Sex Role Inventory.” Sex roles 31.3-4 (1994): 241-273.
Fuss, Diana. Identification papers: Readings on psychoanalysis, sexuality, and culture. Routledge, 2013.
Lancaster, Roger N., and Micaela Di Leonardo, eds. The gender/sexuality reader: culture, history, political economy. Psychology Press, 1997.
Sears, James T., ed. Sexuality and the curriculum: The politics and practices of sexuality education. New York: Teachers College Press, 1992.
Freedman, Estelle B. Feminism, sexuality, and politics: Essays by Estelle B. Freedman. Univ of North Carolina Press, 2006.
Heckert, Jamie. “Sexuality/identity/politics.” Changing anarchism. Manchester University Press, 2018.
Cohen, David. Law, sexuality, and society: The enforcement of morals in classical Athens. Cambridge University Press, 1994.
Biller, Henry B. Paternal deprivation: Family, school, sexuality, and society. DC Heath, 1974.
Bhattacharyya, Gargi. Sexuality and society: An introduction. Routledge, 2005.