Sexualization
Sexualization is a social phenomenon where people perceive their sexuality as an important part of themselves or others. People who identify as either male or female may perceive their sexual orientation in terms of how they relate to each other. In some cases, people can be attracted to both genders; this is known as bisexuality. It is also possible for individuals to identify as gender nonbinary, meaning that they do not adhere to societal expectations about what it means to be masculine or feminine.
Research suggests that sexualized perception plays a significant role in shaping team identity, loyalty, and collective performance.
Team Identity
A group's identity refers to its shared values, beliefs, practices, goals, and cultural norms. This identity is often established through interactions between members within the group. When teams are formed around sexual desires or attraction, those desires may become a defining feature of their identity.
If the members of a sports team all have crushes on each other, then their shared interest in dating could shape their behavior outside of practice sessions. This kind of bonding may make them feel more invested in one another and increase their dedication to winning games together.
Members of sexually-oriented teams tend to be less likely to leave the group due to internal conflict over personal issues related to sexuality.
Loyalty
Loyalty refers to commitment to a particular group or cause. Studies have found that when people feel close to their fellow group members because of shared sexual attitudes, they are more likely to act in accordance with the needs of the group rather than their individual interests.
A gay couple might decide to spend time at an LGBTQ+ bar even though there are better options available elsewhere because they want to support other queer individuals. Similarly, a bisexual woman who has been rejected by her family for being attracted to both genders would be hesitant to date someone from the opposite sex out of fear that she will lose touch with her community. The need to preserve social relationships can lead to increased dedication to the group's cause.
Collective Performance
Collective performance refers to how well members of a group work together towards achieving a common goal. Research shows that groups whose members share similar values tend to perform better than those with conflicting views. In terms of sexuality, this means that when teammates see each other as potential partners, they are more likely to cooperate and coordinate efforts towards success. A sense of camaraderie among members of an all-gay soccer club could mean fewer disputes during practice sessions and more wins on game day.
If everyone is aware of each other's preferences and desires, it becomes easier to communicate effectively about strategies and tactics.
Research suggests that sexualized perception plays a significant role in shaping team identity, loyalty, and collective performance. Teams where members share similar sexual interests may form stronger bonds based on mutual understanding and trust.
They are less likely to have internal conflicts over personal issues related to sexuality. These factors contribute to higher levels of commitment and collaboration within the group.
How does sexualized perception shape team identity, loyalty, and collective performance?
The researchers analyzed the effect of gender composition on team performance in group experiments involving male and female participants completing various tasks (e. g. , puzzles) in teams of two men and two women. They found that teams with a balanced number of male and female members performed significantly better than either all-male or all-female groups, presumably due to increased communication between the sexes.