Analyze two case studies of individuals who have multiple identities related to sex

Analyze two case studies of individuals who have multiple identities related to sex

Analyze two case studies of individuals who have multiple identities related to sex

Sexual behavior is a highly controversial topic. Different cultural groups have varying beliefs regarding the appropriateness and morality of various sexual behaviors, when these behaviors should occur and with whom, the age at which sexual behavior should occur, and so forth. Sexual behavior is a common topic in religion, politics, and education. It is so grounded in cultural and religious belief systems that accepting differences in others’ sexual behavior is difficult, if not impossible, for some.

Not only are there differing religious and cultural views on sexuality, but there are also different views and perceptions of gender-related aspects of sexuality within cultural groups. For example, in some cultures, prepubescent, same-sex experimentation is expected and encouraged prior to adulthood, whereas this behavior is perceived as abnormal in most Western societies.

In some cultures, women are perceived as having a much lower sex drive than men, and older adults may be perceived as having no sex drive at all. As with any perception, when society acts on an assumption, people are impacted. As a simple example, if you assume that older adults do not have sex and construct barriers for sexual activity in assisted living facilities, the psychological well being of the residents in that facility may be affected. Understanding the differences in sexuality in different cultural groups is an important aspect of understanding the whole person and the person’s behavior.

For this Discussion, you analyze two case studies of individuals who have multiple identities related to sex, gender, and sexual orientation and consider how these identities would affect aspects of their lives if they lived in your culture.

To prepare

• Review the two case studies in this week’s Learning Resources and consider the subjects’ specific identities related to sex, gender, and sexual orientation.
• Think about how Alberto and Jeanette would experience life in your culture given their specific identities.
• Consider the advantages and challenges that Alberto and Jeanette may face regarding friendships, romantic relationship, and sexuality within your culture.

By Day 4

Post a brief description of your culture. Then explain the advantages and challenges that Alberto and Jeanette would encounter related to friendships, romantic relationships, and sexuality in your culture.

Two case studies: Case Study: Alberto Alberto is an 18-year-old genetically born male. He is the eldest of four siblings; he has two brothers (ages 17 and 14) and a sister (age 12). From the time Alberto was a young child, his parents noticed that he was quiet and shy compared to other boys his age.

He learned to read at a very young age and was content to curl up with a book rather than play with other children. Several of Alberto’s early grade school teachers referred to him as “sensitive” and “gentle” for a boy. Alberto was very close to his siblings growing up, often acting as caregiver or babysitter when needed, and he generally helped out a great deal at home with chores.

When he showed a keen interest in science and creative writing during middle school, Alberto was encouraged by several teachers to join school academic clubs to foster these interests. Alberto did so, and he built a small but close group of friends. Alberto’s father, hoping to “toughen him up,” tried to encourage Alberto to participate in sports, such as football or basketball, but Alberto showed no interest. During 10th grade, Alberto became the target of bullying by several older boys at school. They frequently verbally harassed him, calling him names like “sissy” and “Alberta” and using slurs related to his mixed-ethnic heritage.

Occasionally, one of the boys would shove Alberto into the hallway lockers or spit at him in the cafeteria. Subsequently, Alberto struggled both academically and socially in 11th and 12th grades. He started to have sexual and romantic thoughts about other boys. Although he was close to his group of friends, he did not feel comfortable sharing these feelings with anyone. He had a girlfriend through part of his senior year; although he found her attractive, he was confused about his romantic and sexual feelings toward her.

They spent most weekend evenings together, but they limited their physical relationship to mostly kissing, holding hands, and cuddling. Alberto recently graduated high school and is planning to attend college. Although he is close with his mother and would like to talk to her about his feelings, he has not shared any of his confusion about his sexuality with her, as she is very religious and he fears she would become angry and reject him.