The Relationship between Gender and Sexuality: Impact of Gender Norms on Sexual Practices and Intimate Relationships

This paper explores the relationship between gender and sexuality, the impact of gender norms on sexual practices and intimate relationships. It discusses the role of gender in relationships, the impact of prevalent notions of gender on sexual practices and intimate relationships, and the norms associated with male and female roles in relationships.

GENDER AND SEXUALITY
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Introduction
The relationship existing between gender and sexuality is significant gender movement
that is happening in the contemporary society. Representation of masculinity and femininity is
constructed by humans and sets the phases of social expectations. Social institutions are meant
for gender roles that are based on the fundamentals of traditional norms (Hammarén &
Johansson, 2014, p.215). The norms in the society change over time and are influenced by the
social and cultural movements and environments. Gender is defined as the manner in which the
society highlights the sexual differences among men and women while sex is the biological
differences that exist between the two species. From birth, our lives are shaped by our biological
identities which are further impacted by the unlimited number of cultural, social, psychological
and environmental forces. Even upon reaching our adulthood, the social and psychological
factors are still present (Daniels, 2016). To determine what it means to be male or female
requires more than just the definition given in the biological perspective. Without noticing, our
behaviour, awareness, aspirations, and attitudes have strongly been affected by gender
expectations by our specific culture (Fonagy, 2018, p.1). At the time we reach childhood and
adolescence, our concept of gender and sexual orientation is firmly rooted. This paper aims to
determine the relationship between gender and sexuality and find out how prevalent are notions
of gender in influencing sexual practices and intimate relationships.
The Relationship between Gender and Sexuality
The current status of sexuality theory in the fast-evolving world is that there is no room
for sexuality psycho-analysis. Sexuality is no longer considered as key in all cases relevant to
theorization. Contextualizing our arguments about sexuality is essential. Since Freud's initial

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perceptions of sex, little changes have been made on the same subject making it more
complicated (Hunter, 2017, p.175). It is vital to ensure that the survival of human species and
preservation of human genetic material.
Some of the ideas passed in the media are indeed viewed and regarded as gospel truth by
members of society (Hammarén & Johansson, 2014, p.215). Individual self-identities are shaped
by what they see and hear from the media. With time, gender becomes a regulatory fiction,
reinforced by the everyday performativity of identity. The relationship of sexuality as a
performance to the sexed body, however, remains a contentious area of debate of both gender
and sexuality. Gender identity leads to an expression of a person's sexuality. Identity labels both
the influence and critical re-thinking of Sexuality and Gender. Sexuality is mainly conceived as
being a natural instinct or drive that becomes an inevitable part of the biological make-up of a
person which seeks fulfillment through sexual activity (Young, 2017, p.3). This view on
sexuality sees it as a natural entity, is mostly known as essentialism. The essentialist theory
presents sex as a natural instinct which is necessary for the purpose of the reproductive activity.
From this approach, it is evident that there is a clear relationship between sexuality and gender.
The modern culture presumes the association between the two as an intimate relationship
because human is biologically male or female with the appropriate sex organs and ability to
reproduce and having the right form of erotic behaviour.
Sexuality does map a gender and sexual identity on a person's individuality (Carroll,
2009). An exploration of sexual identities; gender and sexuality issues as they relate to gay or
lesbian, transvestite/ transsexuals or bisexual, but whose behaviors or beliefs may sometimes be
interpreted by others as uncharacteristic of their sex? Gender identities refer to people's locations
within a range of gender identity and possibilities within their cultures. Sexuality is mainly

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considered to be a biological and psychological variable. It has been acknowledged that our
culture profoundly influences sexuality (Midgley, 2017). There are specific factors that exist in
our society that all have meaning in the way we perceive things. The approach does not aim at
making biology seem insignificant in teaching us about sexuality but aims at making
differentiate at the way we perceive being male or female according to our experiences. Human
sexuality is deeply rooted in biological terms, which links with the intention of procreation. It
terms the process of reproduction as usual (Mitchell, 2018, p.67). Sexuality defines the ability of
people experiencing and expressing themselves sexually most probably to the opposite gender.
It, therefore, determines the behaviour of one sex towards the other.
On the other hand, gender is what culture does with the evidence of biological sex. An
individual's gender roles, gender types, and stereotypes change over time with the transition from
childhood into adulthood, and finally into old age (McDowell, 2018). Compulsory gender
relations and gender identities play a crucial role. Explicit references made to sexuality are
usually marked with minority sexual identities. For example; it is naturally presumed that gay
men will tend to hold their talks in a similar manner to that to that of ladies, and lesbians on the
other side will tend to talk like men (Young, 2017, p.3). There is indeed a clear connection
between language and sexuality. By using a more comprehensive definition of sexuality, it
involves both issues surrounding sexual orientation of individuals and identity as well as gender.
The need to have an identity creates a critical sexual identity that at times may be
regarded as monstrous. There has been an element of the culture critiquing gender concerning
the relationship between gender dualism, sexuality, and sexual orientation as stated by (Harris,
2004). Most people at some point do have concerns about themselves and their sexuality with
scientific facts, and sensitivity based on societal beliefs. Schools remain critical sites for the

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active social learning of gender and sexuality where contemporary young people construct,
exercise, explore and examine their sexuality and views towards gender roles from what they
learn and are taught as stated by Barash & Lipton (2017). More times than not, the imaginative
probe of that confusion, leads to the uneasy testing of the challenging boundaries of female
identity and its relation to power, sexuality and the maternal body (Mitchell, 2018, p.67). It's
important for parents and guardians to shape sexualities and ideologies continually and
encourage young people to look beyond media images and popular prejudices so that young
people of both genders, of different nationalities and different group allegiances may view and
relate to their sexuality accordingly.
Gender and sexuality are two very close and related occurrences that we exhibit from the
time were are born and as we grow from adolescence to adulthood (Simon, 2017). They two are
highly correlated as they help people determine the changes that occur in their life and the
manner in which the society and biology perceive them. The two are firmly aligned in on
biological and societal norms.
The Impact of Prevalent Notions of Gender on Sexual Practices and Intimate Relationships
Norms consist of behaviors, thought or values which majority people share in the society.
There exist various norms amongst people which dictate how they perform various duties as well
as interaction with others. Norms are essential aspects of socialization as they determine with
people of diverse backgrounds are going to exist freely and peacefully (Kelley, 2013). There are
various patterns associated with gender which significantly influences the sexual practices and
intimate relationships. The accepted norms of gender are essential in the process of determining
whether individuals who are close are going to lead a happy life as well as establishing intimate

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relationships with others. The existing studies have reported norms based on gender to either
strengthen intimate relationships between people or eradicate it. Sexual relations have been said
to be sensitive as they rely on the perceptions of the participants which can be described to be the
norms (Jackson, 2013). Positive norms are responsible for establishing intimate relationships and
sexual practices while negative patterns damage close relationships. Some of the gender norms
have turned out to be responsibilities according to the perspectives of different people.
Male Norms in Relationships
According to various societies, men have a critical role in relationships. They are
considered to be the founder of sexual relations and should always be in front part in protecting it
as well as keeping it in the right direction (Lips, 2017). In most cases, ladies are reluctant in
relationships and do not contribute towards its well-being. In such relationships, men are
accorded hard task of controlling the connections. For the sexual relations to adopt the right
direction, the involved parties should be committed. The sexual relationships which are
established on efforts of men are likely to collapse. This is because men end up losing interest,
especially in the current technological world. Socialization leads to the establishment of intimate
relationships and sexual practices, and therefore both parties are expected to observe
commitment. According to previous studies, gender roles in bonds could be the cause of the
common sorts of issues in relationships (Daniels, 2016). The traditional gender roles are
changing every day, and for sexual relations to survive, the participants should observe the
changes or get involved in activities appearing to be fit for the relationships.
Ladies believe that men should be provider and protector of the family which happens to
be right since it is biblically supported. Ladies should also acknowledge men to be the head of

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the family although they should actively participate in the process of decision making. Currently,
various changes have been witnessed in male roles in sexual relationships. Men seem to have
been freed from their roles as the breadwinner of the family while others are not ready to execute
the initiative (Daniels, 2016). This has resulted in conflicts in various relationships due to the
gender norms and individual perspectives. The modern world is witnessing women reach the
milestones which were initially being regarded as men’s. The rising feminism has encouraged
women to participate in economic activities and contribute equally to the family. This has
resulted in chaos and conflicts in relationships particularly amongst men who believe that
women should only be involved in rearing children. The sexual practices amongst such
individuals are limited due to lack of peace in their living places (Daniels, 2016). There is also a
group of men who are not willing to act as the breadwinner for their families. In case such men
happen to meet dependent ladies, their sexual practices and intimate relationships are always a
mess.
The norms are responsible for the increasing rate of intimate relationships and sexual
practices. Although there are positive norms which are accountable for building healthy sexual
practices and close relationships, sexual relations seems to be decreasing at an alarming rate
indicating that adequate measures have to be incorporated. Men should be keen on the norms
they believe and perspectives of their life companions (Giddens, 2014). They should only
acknowledge the norms which are healthy for their sexual relationships to lead a happy life.
Female Norms in Relationships

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Women also believe in various norms which affect their sexual practices and their
intimate relationships either positively or negatively. People of diverse background do not accord
sexual practices the necessary seriousness (Simon, 2017). They end up taking things for granted
which affect their intimate relationships adversely. Men consider ladies to be propagator and
nurturer of the family. They are supposed to have fundamental tasks in relations which keep
everything flowing smoothly. There are a group of ladies who have no respect for their male
counterparts and do not acknowledge them as the heads of the family. Such ladies happen to be a
blunder to their relationships therefore negatively interfering with their sexual practices. There
are significant changes in the roles of gender in relationships. Ladies currently believe that they
are equal to men a factor which has made most of them remain disrespectful to their husbands.
The current conflicts and misunderstandings in relationships are positively related to the
precarious change in gender roles (Daniels, 2016). To enhance sexual practices and intimate
relationships women should abstain from practicing and believing norms which are harmful to
their relationships. The contrary standards affect the parties involved in relationships such that
they do feel sexual attraction and lack of interest. As a result, such people lead a miserable sex
life which is full of conflicts and chaos.
Previously conducted studies have linked women with the source of happiness in many
relationships. Women are responsible for ensuring that men are satisfied and most of them have
norms which are directed at enhancing the well-being of their loved ones (Tiefer 2018, p.16).
Although men are believed to be the head of their families when it comes to sexual practices
women seems to surpass them. Many ladies mind their appearance before their husbands, and
their intentions are attracting them sexually (Fineman, 2014). That mentality is useful in
establishing an intimate relationship and increasing sexual practices amongst the parties.

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Majority of women are usually concerned about attracting their loved ones and ensuring that they
are satisfied with the links. Such a mentality is effective in minimizing and possibly preventing
cases of potential as it leads to intimate relationships and sexual satisfaction. Women norms are
essential in determining the course of the relationship they are involved in.
Conclusion
There exist a strong positive correlation between gender and sexuality. Gender
contributes majorly in relationships of all types. This is because there live diversity either
mentally, physically and emotionally as far as gender is concerned. Usually, people of different
gender are sexually attracted although up to date various cases of people of similar gender
involving in sexual practices have been reported. There are multiple factors which dictate the
formation of intimate relationships. Gender norms are significant factors which determine the
establishment of close ties and sexual practices. People of different gender have either positive or
negative norms which affect relationships positively and negatively respectively. Most of the
norms are closely associated with the role of gender in relations. To enhance sexual practices and
intimate relationships, it is necessary that people practice and believe norms which they believe
are fit for their relationships. This will significantly reduce the current high rate of conflicts and
chaos in sexual relations.

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