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Gender and Sexuality: Same or Different?

Discussing gender and sexuality is subtly uncommon or even considered ‘taboo’ in some parts of the world. This phenomenon is caused by ancient social constructions of gender. Steans and Pettiford (2009) stated that these social constructions of genders have been identified also as sexual differences that have dynamically and gradually changed throughout history. The primordial beliefs of gender are various among world civilizations and cultures. (Steans & Pettiford, 2009: 323-324).

Initially, the term ‘gender’ is used to dichotomize fundamental differences between men and women. (Puspitawati, 2013). Gender has to be distinguished from sexuality. (Fakih, 1996). The concept of gender is introduced by social scientists to examine and explain the differences of ‘natural/biological' and ‘social construction’ of mankind that have been consistently developed and socialized primordially.

Sexuality by biological nature, defined male as creatures who have a penis and produce sperm; meanwhile female is defined as creatures who have a vagina, milk-producing breasts, and have ovum. Gender is a distinction between males and females in roles, functions, responsibilities, and behaviors that have been shaped by social and cultural norms, and traditions from a group of society that can dynamically change according to place and time.

Gender can be understood as human characteristics that are generated from social and cultural construction, which is ongoing for a long time that in the end produced a social consensus about gender. These characteristics are depicted as ‘trademarks’ either for men or women. Men are always pictured to be rational, masculine, dominating, and strong individuals, whereas women are always portrayed to be emotional, feminine, gentle, beautiful, motherly, and submissive individuals.

These characteristics are not ‘absolute’ matters but they are dynamic and can be ‘exchanged’ with each other. For example, there are men who are emotional, submissive, and gentle; there are also women who are rational, dominating, and strong. Their characteristics can be exchanged without ‘changing’ their sexuality. The transformation can happen any time and any place, they are dynamic.

What about gender inequality? One thing of gender equality has always been seen as a 'danger' for the religious orthodoxy or even the conservatism of world society. This concept was introduced to 'dismantle' the long-lasting reign of patriarchal norms which created the mistreatment, suffering, and oppression of women.

Source: PAHO.org

Gender equality is a condition in which men and women are enjoying the same privileges and rights to achieve their greatest potential in every aspect of human development.

Gender differences are actually fine as long as it does not produce gender inequality in society, such as gender marginalization that usually happens to females, subordination, stereotypes, and work differences. (Handoyo et. al, 2015).

In conclusion, gender is a social construction, meanwhile,
sexuality is a biological nature of mankind.

References

Fakih, M. (1996). Menggeser Konsepsi Gender dan Transformasi Sosial. Pustaka Belajar. Yogyarakarta.

Puspitawati, H. (2013). Konsep, Teori, dan Analisis Gender. Departemen Ilmu Keluarga dan Konsumen Fakultas Ekologi Manusia.

Steans, J., & Pettiford, L. (2009). International Relations: Perspectives and Themes. (E. Adinugraha (ed); translation).

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