Sociology and Social Work: Sexuality Theory, Practice, and Case Study

This essay delves into the evolving relationship between sexuality and social work, tracing the historical development of sexuality theory within sociology. It examines how societal views on sexuality, including those of marginalized groups like the GLBTIQ community, have influenced social work practices. The essay highlights the practical application of this theory, particularly in addressing issues such as sexual harassment, and outlines the actions a social worker should take in such cases. A case study is provided to illustrate the application of the theory, exploring the role and responsibilities of a social worker in navigating complex issues of sexuality and harassment. The essay underscores the importance of understanding the dynamic nature of sexuality and its impact on individuals and society.

Sociology
Social work
Name
Professors’ name
Institution
Date

Sociology
Introduction
Sexuality is a concept that has assumed various definitions over the years. Sexuality is often
regarded as an essential part of human life (Moruno, 2010). Ignoring one's sexuality, therefore,
implies ignoring a very important aspect of one's life. This write up is going to explore the
sexuality theory of social work. In doing so, a relationship between sexuality and social work
will be established.
A brief history about the sexuality theory of sociology will be given followed by the practice
which will seek to determine how sexuality theory can be applied. The actions that a social
worker should take to handle the issue of sexual harassment will be discussed in this section.
Finally, a case study will be provided and a position of a social worker will be determined by
exploring the actions that a social worker would have taken in dealing with the issue of sexuality
and sexual harassment.
1. History of sexuality theory of sociology
In recent years there has been an increased concern of sexuality by social work. It is important to
note that the concept of sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, beliefs, desires,
attitudes, values, behaviors, fantasies as well as roles and relationships of individuals in a certain
social setting. Despite the fact that sexuality comprises of all the above-mentioned dimensions, it
is only influenced by a number of aspects such as biological, social, political, cultural and
historical factors (Mainiero & Jones, 2013).

Sociology
Social work focuses on a much broader system that tries to explain the concept of sexuality in a
much broader way. It clearly mentions that sexuality is often a central aspect of human beings
throughout life. Social work, however, focuses on the marginalized and/or minority groups that
comprise of gay, lesbians, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (GLBTIQ) (Weinberg &
Nielsen, 2017).
Late in the early 1970s social work and social work theories were not so bold about the concept
of sexuality but rather fewer issues were being mentioned regarding sexuality. This is so because
during this particular time social work has a totally different perspective on the concept of
sexuality. For instance, sexuality was viewed as a form of disability and/or illness. Concerns
were raised about gays and lesbians that were present in society (Sanchez, 2011). During this
period quite a number of lesbians mothers lost custody of their children as they were considered
to be unfit for the parental role because of the nature of their sexual orientations.
Later in the 1980s, this period was marked by extremely liberal views towards sexuality. Social
work regarded lesbians and gays as people who had a fixed set of identities and a specific set of
needs. These views were very crucial as they played a really important role in the history of
sexuality (Ryan & Wessel, 2012). They helped raise awareness on various issues such as the
discriminatory attitudes that were so common against lesbians and gays and other sexual
orientations. It is important to note that despite all these interventions, lesbians and gays were
still considered as unnatural and were a threat to the development of other normal children in
society.
Early in the 1990s, issues of sexuality within social work started to get a recognition and a voice
to be heard, this was majorly through the discriminatory theory. During this period gays and

Sociology
lesbians were being accepted in the society and considered as normal members of the society
unlike in the previous years where they were being excluded and considered as outcasts ion the
society (Sabsay, 2012).
Later in the late 1990s sexuality was completely transformed and there were different sexual
orientations. The term sexual orientation has been used to imply to an individual's sexual
attraction to particular sex as well as their personal emotions towards that particular sex. Based
on that sexual orientation was divided into four categories; heterosexuality, this referred to
attraction to the opposite sex, homosexuality; an attraction to one's own sex, bisexuality; an
attraction to an individual’s either sex and asexuality which refers to no attraction at all
(Schneider, Pryor, Fitzgerald, 2010).
Statistics indicate that a person has a high probability of understanding their sexual orientation
between the age periods of middle childhood and early adolescence. It is also important to note
that one does not have to get engaged into sexual activities for them to understand their sexual
orientations, it just comes naturally people often develop feelings and in that way, they are in a
position to understand their sexual orientation.
Michel Foucault was among one of the great writers in sexuality. In his book history of sexuality
part two, he gives his insights on the repressive hypothesis. Based on his arguments late in the
17th century the too early 1970s there was some really bad impression and understanding of
sexuality in what he calls a ‘veritable discursive explosion'. This was based on the moral and
rationality of sex. In the 18th century and immediately prior to the 18th century the discourse on
sexuality was categorically based on the role that married couples played which during that time
was strictly monitored by civil as well as canonical law (Hepworth, Rooney, Rooney, Strom-

Sociology
Gottfried, 2016). More emphasis was put on sexuality that involved married couple and ignored
other forms of sexuality that did not lie within that category.
Basically, other sexualities that did not lie within the union of marriage were regarded as perverts
and were seen as people who were not fit to be part of the society (McGinley, Richman,
Rospenda, 2011). This has changed over time because in recent years sexuality is a universal
thing and each and every person I respected regardless of their sexuality. Social work for
instance recognizes and acknowledges all sexual orientations. Individuals should not be ignored
or discriminated against based on their sexuality. In the modern world, there are institutions
recognizes and acknowledges all forms of sexuality.
2. Practice; how sexuality is linked to the practice
Sexuality is a concept that is dynamic and it's practical in various ways. Social work advocates
the issue of sexuality in a way that appreciates all forms of sexual orientations without any form
of bias or discrimination (Williams, Thomas, Prior, Walters, 2015). Sexuality is often considered
as an important component of human experience. Social work often approaches the concept of
sexuality based on the various problems to be solved regarding the issue of sexuality and do not
put much emphasis on another element of pleasure that is often concerned with the wellness of

Sociology
people and their live’s. As mentioned earlier, sexuality entails quite a number of meaningful
aspects that defines human expressions as well as their opinions.
Sexual harassment is a term that is used to refer to either coercion or bullying of a sexual nature.
It may also involve the various unwelcomed and/or inappropriate promise of various rewards and
gifts for sexual favors. Sexual harassment is quite a broad term and it may include various
definitions depending on the context in which it is used. It is considered as an illegal act because
in most cases it does not involve getting consent from the parties involved. It ranges from simple
actions such as teasing, unwanted pressure on various forms of sexual favors, unwanted sexual
gestures and looks, unwanted telephone calls and/or materials of sexual nature to complex ones
such as abuse and other sexual aggressive signals.
The term ‘unwelcome behavior’ is often used in the definition of sexual harassment to refer to
the aspect of involuntary. In most cases, sexual harassments are always involuntary and without
the consent of the victim. It may also happen in various forms such as verbal, non-verbal and
physical.
Social work is a discipline that is centered around taking care of other people’s well being and
ensuring their safety in all aspects. In the event of sexual harassment on someone, there is a
certain way in which a social worker should respond to such cases. Below is a description of how
a social worker should respond to cases of sexual harassment (McDonald, 2012).
First and foremost it is important that a sexual harassment policy is present. This sexual
harassment policy should be effectively implemented in cases of sexual harassment and should
be communicated to the offenders in the case of such issues.

Sociology
A sexual harassment policy is a document that clearly indicates that any form of sexual
harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstances whatsoever (Hershcovis & Barling,
2010). A sexual harassment policy is very key for a social worker because it not only helps
maintain positive relationships among various individuals but also is in a position to improve the
performance of a social worker because it must be implemented once such a case happens.
Cases of sexual harassment are often common, in the event of such incidents then a social
worker is supposed to take remedial action (McLaughlin, Uggen, Blackstone, 2012). A social
worker should always examine the case and determine if there is the real intention and if the case
is actually a valid sexual harassment case. For the situation where the case of harassment is an
internal issue that a social worker should provide several different ways in which the victim will
be in a position to make a formal complaint. Once the complaint is formal the appropriate action
can be taken thereafter.
A social worker should then make it known to both the parties involved in the issue of sexual
harassment will not be tolerated. This could be done by running them through the organizations'
history and some of the cases that were handled prior to that case.
It is also important to note that no action should be taken unless the complaint is investigated.
The investigation is always meant to determine whether or not the complaint is actually true or
even there is any kind of sexual harassment in the first place (Suhaila & Rampal, 2012).
Investigation on the complaint should be based on current knowledge regarding the issue and not
any assumed knowledge. The investigation should look at all parties involves and seek to
determine the truth without any form of bias. This may be achieved by first questioning the
complainant. In doing so the complainant should explain the nature of the actual issue and give

Sociology
out any details that might be essential. The alleged harasser should also be questioned based on
the details obtained from the complainant.
A social worker should also talk to the victim of the harassment. This should involve informing
the employee that the made the right decision in coming forward with the issue and that
appropriate action will be taken to resolve the issue. Sexual harassment often has the ability to
completely drain someone’s self-esteem and make them feel neglected and unwanted. It is the
task of the social worker to inform the complainant that everything will be okay and that the
appropriate action will be taken.
In dealing with cases of sexual harassment, social workers have several obligations that they are
entitled to their clients. A breach of any of these responsibilities is totally unacceptable. First and
foremost, social workers should make their clients (for this case harassed individuals) their
primary responsibility. In this, they are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that they listen
and respond accordingly to the issues addressed to them by their clients (Jones, 2011).
Another issue that a social worker is expected is fostering maximum self-determination to their
clients. This involves devoting themselves towards helping their clients. Respecting the privacy
of their clients is also another issue that a social worker should maintain in the case of sexual
harassment. A social worker should ensure that they keep the information disclosed to them by
their clients in a confidential way because it is confidential information. Such information should
not be handled in a bad way and end up in the hands of a third party. This information should
only between the social worker and the complainant unless otherwise (Kuhnle & Sander, 2010).
3. Tools-A Case study that happened in real life and what you can do as a social
worker

Sociology
Social work is a tool that can be used to solve and deal with issues of sexual harassment of all
degrees and nature. Below is a case study of sexual harassment and how social work can be used
to deal with the issue.
Case study
Lillian works as a licensed heavy equipment operator in Australia. Some of her male
counterparts think it funny and somewhat awkward for a woman to work in such a place and
therefore find it fun in teasing her. Lillian often overhears comments like ‘She's so pretty she
should be working at a front desk', ‘Watch out, here she comes-that crazy hot woman driver' but
in a joking manner. In most extreme cases, she notices men pointing towards the handmade sign
written ‘men only'.
Analysis of case study
In the 21st century, there is no career that is gender-based. All genders can engage themselves in
any career opportunities that they wish to as long as they have the capability to do so. There has
always been confusion that there are certain jobs meant for men and others meant women. In the
event where men engage themselves in jobs that are traditionally meant for women or women
engage themselves in jobs traditionally meant for men then issues will arise. This should not the
case anymore, especially in the 21st century.
It is also important to note that in the case where the above issue happens, then either of the
genders should expect teasing and various joking comments from the dominant gender in that
particular career line. This often happens because it feels totally awkward to see a woman in a

Sociology
job traditionally meant for men and men traditionally meant for women (Hunt, Davidson,
Fielden, Hoel, 2010). At times, however, like for this case with Lillian, the harassment is
basically dependent on Lillian's opinion about the entire situation, this in regard to whether or
not she finds the situation and behavior offensive. It is as well important to note that in a case
where Lillian feels harassed in any case by the comments, then she is entitled to complain and
have the behavior stopped (Nielsen & Einarsen, 2012).
Another important aspect about this particular case is that the comments and some of the
behavior are directed to Lillian not with an aim to intentionally intimidate her or make her quit
her job. Despite the comments and behaviors are not sexual in nature, they are directed to her
because of her sex and such an issue is likely to cause a hostile working environment for her
(Giddens, 2013).
Lillian is in a very impossible situation because she is in a male-dominated career line. She faces
regular sexual harassments. Despite all this, Lillian has an option of speaking to the supervisor
and/or anyone in charge so that she could get assistance as quickly as possible. Such kind of
comments and behaviors directed to her could really harm her self-esteem and make her feel less
of a person because of her sexuality (Hayashi, 2012). Once Lillian reports the incidents and the
way she is being harassed by her male counterparts based on her sexuality then immediate action
should be taken by the management to try and look into the issue. Once evidence has been found
regarding the issue and its been confirmed to be true then action should be taken against the
individuals that were engaged in the harassment.
The position of a social worker in the case

Sociology
In dealing with such a case of sexual harassment, a social worker has to observe the core values
of the social work profession. Some the major core values of a social work profession are
service, social justice and ensuring the dignity and worth of an individual. Based on this
particular case study, the dignity of Lillian is in crisis (Gutek et al, 2013). It can clearly be seen
that she is being harassed because of her sexuality and various comments that she gets from her
male counterparts are somewhat intimidating.
As a social worker, one should first seek to determine whether or not the allegations of sexual
harassment are true. This will involve questioning the parties involved, that is Lillian and her
male counterparts. Through questioning these parties then a social worker will be in a position to
know the basis of the allegations and thereafter acting accordingly (Dionisi, Barling, Dupré,
2012).
Another action that a social worker should take in addressing this issue is through having a one
on one conversation with Lillian. Well, Lillian is the complainant here and understanding what
she feels about the whole situation is one of the basic steps towards resolving the issue and in
addition to that it’s also one of the core values of a social worker; to ensure the well being of
other individuals. The social worker should ensure that he/she guides Lillian and explain to her
that appropriate action will be taken against the persons that were involved in harassing her.
Ethically, such kind of behavior is not allowed in any work as it is against the principle of mutual
respect for other individuals life (Buchanan, Settles, Hall, O'Connor, 2014). A social worker
should, therefore, ensure that they document such an issue. Each and every step should be clearly
documented and a record kept for.
Conclusion

Sociology
The history of sexuality is somewhat complex. In the early years, various sexual orientations
were not being recognized and were considered as not normal. For instance, the issue of
lesbianism and gays was not being recognized. Later in the years, social work revolutionized the
issue of sexuality.
As mentioned earlier, social work is a discipline that is centered around understanding the social
setting as well as ensuring the well-being of the members of the society. Sexuality, on the other
hand, is a very important component of human life. Ignoring once sexuality is like ignoring an
important aspect of one's life.
Instances of sexual harassments are so common in recent years. Social work has a very crucial
role in such issues. Social work has to ensure that such cases are handled in the right way
through application of its various principles such as that of service and ensuring the well-being
the society (Bell, Turchik, Karpenko, 2014).
It can, therefore, be concluded that social work has played a really essential role in matters of
sexuality.