The concept of gender has been prevalent throughout human history. From early civilizations to modern society, humans have divided themselves into two main categories based on their biological attributes - male and female. This distinction between genders led to the creation of social norms and expectations that were heavily influenced by cultural beliefs and practices. These social constructs of masculinity and femininity play a significant role in shaping the behavioral patterns and interactions of individuals within different communities. One such area where these gender constructs are particularly relevant is sexual roles. In this article, we will explore how societal constructs of masculinity and femininity influence sexual roles.
Gender Constructs
Gender is more than just an individual's physical attributes; it also encompasses socially constructed traits, behaviors, and identities. Sociologists define gender as "a system of meanings associated with being male and female"(West & Fenstermaker, 2016, p.99). It refers to the set of characteristics assigned to males or females in a particular culture or society. The differences between men and women are not innate but learned through various institutions such as family, education, religion, media, etc.
Societies across the world have created specific norms for men and women regarding their behavior, dressing style, occupation, and other aspects of daily life.
Most cultures prescribe traditional masculine qualities like strength, aggression, dominance, independence, and competitiveness while considering feminine qualities such as nurturing, caretaking, submissiveness, and passivity.
These stereotypes vary from culture to culture and change over time.
Masculinity and Femininity in Sexual Roles
These gender constructs significantly impact sexual roles, which refer to the expectations of what each sex should do during sexual intercourse. Men and women's cultural expectations play a significant role in determining their sexual practices. Men and women may be expected to perform differently based on their gender identity, even though they may enjoy the same kind of sexual acts.
Men are often encouraged to initiate sexual activity, be dominant during intimacy, and pursue sex more actively than women. On the contrary, women are taught that they should be passive participants who should only respond to male advances.
Some societies consider premarital sex 'immoral,' leading to strict rules governing dating and relationships. In some communities, women may face social stigma if they engage in premarital sex or seek pleasure outside marriage. These restrictions limit women's freedom to explore their sexuality and desires.
Gender stereotypes influence how men and women express their emotions after sex. While men are supposed to show less emotion and appear 'macho' after sex, women are expected to cry and feel remorseful for having had sex before marriage. The expectation of masculinity leads to pressure on men to hide their feelings and avoid showing vulnerability in any situation. Thus, they may find it difficult to share their emotions, leading to increased stress levels and mental health issues.
In many cultures, there is also a belief that heterosexual relationships involve specific power dynamics between men and women. Women are often considered submissive partners who should obey their husbands and fulfill all their needs. This mindset can lead to violence and abuse against women who refuse to comply with these norms. Men are also subjected to pressures to perform well in bed and provide sexual gratification to their partner, which can cause them to feel inadequate if they cannot meet expectations.
Impact of Gender Constructs on Sexual Health
The impact of gender constructs on sexual roles has significant implications for individuals' physical and mental health. According to studies, cultural norms regarding masculinity and femininity have negative effects on people's overall well-being, including sexual satisfaction, intimacy, and self-esteem(Namaste & Namaste, 2014).
Men may experience performance anxiety due to the pressure to always please their partner during intercourse, while women may struggle with guilt and shame if they don't conform to traditional ideals.
Societal constructs of masculinity and femininity also contribute to sexual dysfunctions like erectile dysfunction (ED) or vaginismus(Lynch et al., 2015). These conditions result from internalized societal expectations that create performance anxiety. The fear of not performing well or pleasing one's partner leads to stress and anxiety, negatively affecting sexual desire and function.
To overcome this issue, individuals must work towards challenging these norms and embrace their true selves without fear. Couples should communicate openly about their needs
How do societal constructs of masculinity and femininity influence sexual roles?
Societal constructs of masculinity and femininity play an important role in shaping sexual roles. The traditional gender roles dictated that men are expected to be assertive, dominant, and aggressive while women are supposed to be submissive, passive, and nurturing. This traditional view has been challenged over time as more people began to recognize the importance of equality between genders.