Sociology Unit 1A Definitions Topic 12

Front 1

What example and points does Focault make in regards to the idea sexuality is socially constructed?

Back 1

Michel Foucault (1976) gives a clear example ofhow our sexuality is sociallyconstructed.

-He suggests that the way sexuality is expressed depends on thediscourses (discussion and debate) presentin society at a particular time.

-Fifty years ago homosexuality was thought of as deviant or as an illness,whereas today LGBT is openly discussed. It’s notthat homosexuality didn’t exist but rather that it wasn’t socially accepted soexisted in secret

Front 2

How did the UK transition into more accepting homosexuality (Focault)?

Back 2

-Homosexuality was made illegal in the UK and punishable by prison. Many homosexual men were subject to shock treatment or conversion therapy in the 1950s and 60s to cure them of their condition of homosexuality.

-Homosexual acts for consenting adults over the age of 21 were decriminalised in the 1960s. By 1970 homosexuality was no longer defined as a psychiatric condition by doctors.

-In a final step towards equality the age of consent for homosexual couples was dropped to 16 in 2000.

Front 3

1)How do these law changes support Focualt argument?

2)criticisms of Foucault?

Back 3

-Foucault is right that homosexuality is now a part of public discourse and attitudes and laws are changing quickly, the most recent change was same sex marriage (March2014)

-Many suggest that while sexual identity is a significant source of our identity, for many people other factors like gender, ethnicity and class are more significant.

Front 4

What does Rich (Femininst) argue in terms of women's expression of their sexuality?

Back 4

–Women’s sexuality is oppressed by men in patriarchal society, through institutions such as marriage, sexual violence and rape and through the sexual objectification of women.

–She uses the term ‘compulsory heterosexuality'

(Women are socialised into a subordinate + heterosexual role, ensuring availability to men.)

–Women are not necessarily inherently heterosexual, but that this is forced upon them.

Front 5

What does Rich (Femininst) argue in terms of The lesbian identity and hetereosexuality in women

Back 5

–Lesbian existence is quite distinct from homosexuality in men, with littleevidence of anonymous promiscuity and more focus on empowerment and joy

–Lesbian identity hasbeen written out of existence or constructed as abnormal, since it is a threat to male dominance and power over women.

Front 6

What are criticisms of Rich?

Back 6

There is no doubt that in some parts of the UK and in some communities ‘comingout’ as a lesbian is still looked down upon and carries a stigma that can leadto prejudice and discriminatory practices such as bullying in the workplace.However, many suggest that disabled groups and some ethnic groups are more disadvantaged in modern Britain.

Front 7

What does Hunt argue point out about the relationship between the media and the beauty.

Back 7

Stephen Hunt (2001) argues the media recognizes society’s obsession withlooking slim and perpetuate the idea that slimness equals success, health,happiness and popularity.

–Advertising is dominated by slim attractiveindividuals, men and women. They areoften used to promote high status consumer goods like cars, holidays etc. andthis gives us the impression that one leads to another and that we want both.

Front 8

What does Hunt argue on the subject of the medias exaggeration of the ideal body type and the relationship this has with lifestyle

Back 8

–There is an industry in people feeling bad about themselves. \n( dieting, health, cosmetic surgery and fitness activities)\n –This industry would not exist if people accept themselves as they are.

Front 9

What do the Kayan people do?

Back 9

-Womenof the Kayan people begin to wearneck coils from as young as age two. The length of the coil is graduallyincreased to as much as twenty turns. The weight of the coils will eventuallyplace sufficient pressure on the clavicles to cause them to deform and createan impression of a longer neck. These are only worn by married women and are asign of wealth and status.

Front 10

Events suggesting that sexual identity is changing?

Back 10

-Equality Act 2010makes it unlawful to discriminate against any individual on the grounds ofsexuality.

-The opening ceremony of the 2014 CommonwealthGames in Glasgow, was led by John Barrowman andKaren Dunbar, who are both openly gay Barrowman then kissed his male ‘bride’ in amock-up marriage ceremony. This has been seen by some as a deliberate statementaimed at the 42 countries who attend the games in which homosexuality is stillillegal.

Front 11

Criticisms of idea sexuality is changing?

Back 11

Walters wouldagree with the notion that the media puts too much emphasis on sexual attractivenessespecially for women.

Some surveys suggest that around one–fifth ofpeople would refuse an invitation to a same-sex wedding and some religiousgroups remain deeply opposed, though the Church of England has dropped itsopposition after the change in the law.