JOURNAL

IN
GENDER AND SOCIETY:
A HUMAN ECOLOGICAL APPROACH

Presented by:
Kathleen T. Ang
BSN 1-K

Presented to:
Ms. Merenisa Paredes-Auxilio
 JOURNAL
IN
GENDER AND SOCIETY:
A HUMAN ECOLOGICAL APPROACH

Presented by:
Ma. Shaina Trina M. Limalima
BSN 1-K

Presented to:
Ms. Merenisa Paredes-Auxilio
 Introduction

Gender and Society: A Human Ecological Approach examined the ways

gender informs the social world we live in. It taught us the ways in which sex,
gender, and sexuality marked our bodies, influenced our perceptions of self and
others, as well as how it determined opportunities for individuals and groups
of people. We explored the ways in which sex, gender, and sexuality work with
the other markers of difference and social status such as race, age, nationality,
and ability to further set limits or boundaries of possibilities, freedom, choices,
and opportunities available to people. This subject also showed the "common-
sense" world of gender around us, considered how we develop our gender
identities, explored the different factors that shape our gender lives. Lastly, it
leads us to understand the relationship between gender and societal structure.
I. GENDER AND SEXUALITY AS A SOCIAL REALITY
Lesson 1: Sex, Gender, and Sexuality
Sex are the biological traits that societies use to assign people into the category of
either male or female, whether it be through a focus on chromosomes, genitalia or some
other physical ascription. When people talk about the differences between men and women
they are often drawing on sex – on rigid ideas of biology – rather than gender, which is an
understanding of how society shapes our understanding of those biological categories.
Gender is more fluid – it may or may not depend upon biological traits. More specifically, it
is a concept that describes how societies determine and manage sex categories; the cultural
meanings attached to men and women’s roles; and how individuals understand their
identities including, but not limited to, being a man, woman, transgender, intersex, gender
queer and other gender positions. Gender involves social norms, attitudes and activities that
society deems more appropriate for one sex over another. Gender is also determined by what
an individual feel and do. Sexuality is about sexual attraction, sexual practices and identity.
Just as sex and gender don’t always align, neither does gender and sexuality. People can
identify along a wide spectrum of sexualities from heterosexual, to gay or lesbian, to bisexual,
to queer, and so on. Asexuality is a term used when individuals do not feel sexual attraction.
Some asexual people might still form romantic relationships without sexual contact.

Regardless of sexual experience, sexual desire and behaviors can change over time,
and sexual identities may or may not shift as a result. Gender and sexuality are not just
personal identities; they are social identities. They arise from our relationships to other
people, and they depend upon social interaction and social recognition. As such, they
influence how we understand ourselves in relation to others.

There are many different faces of human sexuality and the LGBTQ+ community is
inclusive. Those people who belong themselves or are part of it are living their life in fear of
showing their true identity to the world because they simply fear that society won’t accept
them for having a different sexual orientation. Society advocates that individuals should be
able to be proud of who they are, but yet they judge homosexuals for being different. People
are taught not to judge others based on their race or religion, so why do they still
discriminate against homosexuals? The homosexual subculture is not accepted by society,
looked down upon, and misjudged; however, they are human beings and deserve to be
treated equally. Everyone has the right to live his/her life in the manner which suits them
and makes them happy providing that they themselves do not in any way influence someone
else's life negatively. I also believe that a person who is homosexual should be given the same
rights as any other heterosexual person because after all, we are all human beings. We need
to be humane to this community and not condemn them as nature’s aberrations. After all,
they are God’s creatures and have the right to live their lives as they choose within accepted
norms and values. As long as they keep their public image and mannerisms within the
bounds of accepted propriety and decorum, they should neither be harassed nor
discriminated against. Society needs to be tolerant of their physiological and psychological
differences rather than condemn them as social misfits.

Lesson 2: Gender and Sexuality Across Time

In this lesson, we are able to track down the historical roots of gender and sexuality.
It also made us aware of how these things affect the aspect of human life. Recognizing the
patriarchal system opened our eyes to the suffering of the women in earlier times. And so,
we must need to know simple things like gender awareness because it is a significant matter
for us to understand and appreciate of how the rights of women evolved through time.
Gender awareness aim to provide basic facts, evidence and arguments on various topics
relating to gender equality to increase awareness and knowledge about gender (in)equality;
to foster communication and information exchange so as to improve mutual understanding
and learning about gender (in)equality; and to mobilize communities and society as a whole
to bring about the necessary changes in attitudes, behaviors and beliefs about gender
equality.

Gender equality is intrinsically linked to sustainable development and is vital to the

realization of human rights for all. The overall objective of gender equality is a society in
which women and men enjoy the same opportunities, rights and obligations in all spheres of
life. Equality between men and women exists when both sexes are able to share equally in
the distribution of power and influence; have equal opportunities for financial independence
through work or through setting up businesses; enjoy equal access to education and the
opportunity to develop personal ambitions, interests and talents; share responsibility for the
home and children and are completely free from coercion, intimidation and gender-based
violence both at work and at home. Within the context of population and development
programs, gender equality is critical because it will enable women and men to make
decisions that impact more positively on their own sexual and reproductive health as well as
that of their spouses and families.

However, it is important to acknowledge that where gender inequality exists, it is

generally women who are excluded or disadvantaged in relation to decision-making and
access to economic and social resources. Therefore, a critical aspect of promoting gender
equality is the empowerment of women, with a focus on identifying and redressing power
imbalances and giving women more autonomy to manage their own lives. This would enable
them to make decisions and take actions to achieve and maintain their own reproductive and
sexual health. Gender equality and women’s empowerment do not mean that men and
women become the same; only that access to opportunities and life changes is neither
dependent on, nor constrained by, their sex.

Lesson 3: Gender and Sexuality as a Subject of Inquiry

Gender studies is a field of interdisciplinary study and academic field devoted to
gender identity and gendered representation as central categories of analysis. This field
includes women's studies, men's studies, and LGBT studies. Sometimes, gender studies is
offered together with study of sexuality. These disciplines study gender and sexuality in the
fields of literature, language, history, political science, sociology, anthropology, cinema,
media studies, human development, law, and medicine. It also analyzes race, ethnicity,
location, nationality, and disability. Gender studies involves research process to identify
problems, make hypotheses and assumptions, gather data, and make conclusions. It also
utilizes two types of approach, qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative approach used
different methods such as phenomenology, hermeneutics, and ethnography and
methodology. Whereas, quantitative approach used survey and experiments. In conducting
gender and sexuality research, there are principles to remember in order to protect the
people involved in the research from harm.

One view exposed by the philosopher named Simone de Beauvoir once said: "One is
not born a woman, one becomes one.'' This view proposes that in gender studies, the term
"gender" should be used to refer to the social and cultural constructions of masculinities and
femininities, not to the state of being male or female in its entirety. However, this view is not
held by all gender theorists. Other areas of gender study closely examine the role that the
biological states of being male or female have on social constructs of gender. Specifically, in
what way gender roles are defined by biology and how they are defined by cultural trends.

Gender studies is vital because sex, love, care, and reproduction are basic dimensions in
life, and yet, the meaning of gender is contested. Gender studies offers updated empirical
knowledge about gendered practices, norms, and discourses in politically significant ways.
The field offers systematic analysis of the meaning of sex and gender in past and present
societies, and produces notions, methodologies, and theories with which to grasp how
gender categories are entangled in other categories and practices – which is still given no or
low priority in many academic disciplines. Furthermore, it enables us to examine and
challenge social norms around what it means to be a woman or man in society, and to pursue
justice and equality for all, which should be fundamental facets of development.
II. BIOMEDICAL PERSPECTIVE IN GENDER AND SEXUALITY
Lesson 4: Anatomy and Physiology of Reproduction
The functional and most significant difference in the male and female reproductive
system is that male reproductive system only produces sperms and delivers to the female
reproductive system. On the other hand, the female reproductive system is designed to
produce a baby and promote its development.

Reproduction is the process of fusion of male and female gametes, to produce their
species. While the organs of an individual body involved in this process, together known as
the reproductive system. Both male and female reproductive organs contribute to the same
goal and specialty, that is to produce children and give birth to their new generation. This is
the important process of nature, to increase and maintain the ratio of the population of that
particular species. However, there are many points to distinguish between both types of
system. Both the male and female sexual anatomy is composed of external and internal
genitalia. For the female, the internal genitalia include the vagina, uterus, cervix, uterine/
Fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The external genitalia include the vulva, perineum, mons pubis,
clitoris, labia majora and minora, vestibule, prepuce, vaginal and urethral opening. On the
other hand, the external male genitalia include the penis, urethral opening, scrotum,
frenulum, corona, prepuce, and perineum. The internal male genitalia include the seminal
vesicle, testis, vas deferens, epididymis, prostate, bulbourethral gland, and ejaculatory duct,
prostate, and urethra.

Male reproductive organ functions to produce sperms and transfer it to the female
reproductive organ to get fertilized and produce the new one of their kind. The reproductive
system of the male is located outside the body and around the pelvis region, to maintain the
temperature required by the sperm to stay healthy. Female reproductive organ functions in
producing ovum (eggs) and when get fuse with the male gamete (sperm), produces the
young ones and nurture it until the full growth before birth. The female reproductive system
is located entirely inside the body, with entry and exit points at the vulva, and separate
openings for urination and menstruation.

Lesson 5: The Process of Reproduction

Pregnancy is the process when an offspring develops in the mother's womb. In order
for pregnancy to happen, sperm needs to meet up with an egg. Pregnancy officially starts
when a fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus. It takes up to 2-3 weeks after sex
for pregnancy to happen.
 Early pregnancy is one of the most alarming issues around the world today. Teenage
pregnancy is not a new issue, in fact, it has been a rising concern here in the Philippines for
the past few years. Each individual has the right to choose, to live, to express their feelings,
beliefs, ideas, opinions and to even decide for their future. But as we can see, this freedom
given to this young people by the society is not being used properly. Many teenagers engage
themselves in sexual intercourse with their partners, boyfriends/girlfriends without
thinking of the big responsibility ahead of them. According to researchers Patel & Sen (2012),
teen pregnancy can result in severe physical health issues. Researchers conducted a study
that examined the physical and mental health outcomes associated with teen pregnancy.
Teen mothers were reported to have the poorest health of all women examined in the study.
They experience a number of complications which include excessive vomiting, severe
anemia, hypertension, convulsion, high maternal mortality or death.

However, there are several ways to prevent pregnancy. The best prevention for teen
pregnancy is education, medical care and access to contraception. By putting knowledge in
their hands, teenage girls will become more confident and able to make healthy choices
about their developing sexuality. The correct use of contraceptives for young adolescents is
vital to preventing teen pregnancy. Teens that are properly educated about the proper use
of birth control are much more likely to use it during sexual activity. Although birth control
isn't 100% effective, it decreases the chance of accidental pregnancy.

Lesson 6: Sexual Health and Hygiene

Every day, we come into contact with millions of outside germs and viruses. They can
linger on our body, and in some cases, they may make us sick. Personal hygiene practices can
help us prevent illnesses. They can also help us feel good about our appearance.

Keeping one's body clean includes washing your hair every day to help control oily
hair. The oil that is produced in the hair is called the sebaceous gland which can make the
hair shiny and waterproof. However, during puberty, you produce extra oil which can also
make your hair shiny, oily, and greasy. Sexual and reproductive health are directly related to
hygiene and includes practices such as the cleaning of genitals to prevent unpleasant odors
and detrimental infection. In addition, during puberty stage, our body perspire more and the
sweat has a stronger smelling odor that makes our armpit smell unpleasant and even our
genitals and feet. The best way to get rid of the smell and clean our body is by using
antiperspirant sprays, deodorant, or you may use perfume. Wearing clean clothes, socks, and
underwear can also contribute in helping you feel clean. And lastly, to take care of our teeth
by brushing and flossing them properly to prevent cavities, remove plaque and bacteria.
 Good personal hygiene habits are directly related to less illness and better health.
Poor personal hygiene habits, however, can lead to some minor side effects, like body odor
and greasy skin. They can also lead to more troublesome or even serious issues. Poor hygiene
habits can also affect your self-esteem. Looking and feeling presentable can give you a
confidence boost and a sense of pride in your appearance.

Lesson 7: Risky Behaviors of Adolescents

As a teenager, we become more mature person. Meaning, we think wisely and we try
different things to do. Well, everyone knows and especially our parents that it is part of
growing up. However, as we do try and experience new things, we must also know our
limitations.

In my generation today, it is hard to meet a teenager who has not experienced the
taste of an alcohol beverage. Many teenagers are involved in many activities that some of
them are curious. Due to liberalism and the pressure of society to fit in, most teenagers resort
to risky behaviors and vices but research also proves that the excessive intake of these vices
are a cause of abuse at home, low self-esteem, and depression. Also, some reasons were that
they are stressed in school, and often, the reason is that they are ‘rebelling’ from their
parents. Hence, the reason why teenagers turn to and depend on these vices is to temporarily
escape reality. Talking about risky behaviors, there are many people who are smoking
cigarettes and drinking liquor. Few are involved into drugs, sexual intimacy, and even
violence. Participating in these behaviors can lead to a number of poor outcomes in the later
years. Unfortunately, the media have glamorized these behaviors so they are now considered
normal during adolescence. The good news is that parents can counteract these negative
messages. According to research, the best way for parents to help decrease risky behaviors
is to adopt an authoritative or actively involved parenting style. Parents must keep an eye on
their child and stay connected with them through communication. They can also help
develop responsibility and personal values with their child. They can also impose rules and
give consequences if their child disobeys them.

Overall, being a teenager is never too late. Our parents may or may not understand us
because maybe when it was their time, they never felt the freedom they want, not like today
in our generation, our parents really care for us because it is for our future. And in the end,
it is not our money that we are using to buy these things like cigarettes, liquors, etc. but it's
our parent's money. However, it is okay to try these things as long as we know our limitations
because in the end it is our goals in life that we are destroying, instead, we must pursue and
achieve it to be successful in the future.
III. PSYCHOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE IN GENDER AND SEXUALITY
Lesson 8: Gender and Sexuality as a Psychosocial Issue
Our social aspect of gender and sexuality can be anchored on sociology and
psychology because through psychosocial dimension, our gender and sexuality can be
understood and explained in many ways. Psychosocial dimension is comprised of two
primary aspects --- psychological and social. Psychological is associated with the mental
process and behavior, while social is pertains to human relationships, connection, and
interaction. Our experience of gender and sexuality is a relational experience because
individuals have our own affect, cognition, and behavior to be aware of. And also, we view
ourselves in relation to other people who have their own personal preoccupations. The
psychosocial aspects of our life are the awareness of self and others, intimacy and
relationship, learning and socialization, and making meaning or purpose of life. Moreover,
we must look at the primary dimensions of our well-being to be able to understand one's
psychosocial condition. Dimensions of well-being include physical, emotional, mental, social,
and material. To conclude, we must maintain and take care of ourselves by considering all
the aforementioned dimensions for us to ensure a healthy and well state of being.

Lesson 9: Love, Intimacy, and Relationship

A lot of people out there are confused whether they are attracted to someone or they
are actually in love. Love and attraction are two different things. Attraction can happen any
time of the day, while love is something that takes time to grow. Who said it's "love at first
sight" clearly never heard of attraction before. The initial good feeling you experience when
you meet someone is "attraction" not "love". Love is pure while attraction can simply fade
away. Sure, love can fade, but that's a whole new different topic for next time. To put simply,
love entails attraction, but attraction can exist without love. You can simply say you're
attracted to someone because of their beauty, talents and personality, but love goes beyond
that. You love someone permanently by their faults and limitations. However, the concept of
love does not just refer to the love between two couples but it can be love between friends,
family, God and even in our selves. It is our nature as man to love and feel loved. It is a very
complex idea because we define, experience, manifest, and conceptualize love in a different
manner so that is why theorists constructed different theories for us to understand better.
There is a theory on love language which tells us that we can express our love to someone in
our own different ways such as giving time and making memories with them, giving gifts,
verbally expressing them. There are also people who express love through touch or
nonverbal behaviors like hug and kiss, and even through the act of helping others through
service. There is also a theory on the psychodynamic view of love, romantic and
companionate love, triangular model of love, and the color wheel of love. But the main point
of this lesson is to encourage us to reflect about our human relationships with the goal of
forming healthy, nurturing, and successful connection with others.

Lesson 10: Sex and Senses

Since we were kids, we are taught of the different senses in our body, the sight,
hearing, smell, taste and touch. But we don't realize and think that senses would also play a
role in the human sexual response. The totality of our senses or which termed as "sensorium"
are windows to our consciousness. We became aware, we learn, and we experience
something because of these things. And to better understand, let me give an example on how
our senses play a role in our sexual attraction. According to studies, men tend to prioritize
physical attractiveness more than women, who tend to prefer scent. Women can tell when a
man is more dominant and when he's more attractive based on his natural odor, while men
can tell when a woman is fertile. A person's voice gives similar cues, with the addition of
traits like cooperativeness and physical strength. Furthermore, a hormone called
pheromone is a chemical which is capable of acting like hormones outside the body of the
secreting individual to impact the behavior of the receiving individual. They induce activity
in other individuals, such as sexual arousal.
 Closing

Through the subject, I gained knowledge and better understand the

conceptualization of gender. I was able to reflect on my own experiences and
the news reports I've seen in the media about the various gender issues in a
theoretically and empirically informed way. I also learned about the division of
labor between genders in the private and public sphere. Moreover, I was able
to develop an understanding of gender as something that is socially
constructed. Gender relations are fundamentally relations of inequality. My
attention drew into how gender inequality remains structurally embedded in a
patriarchal system and how gender inequality intersects with other bases of
inequality such as race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, disability, age, etc. However,
there are different social movements and politics addressing gender
inequalities.