I’m stuck on a Sociology question and need an explanation.
Gender and Sexuality Reflective Essay Example
People don’t always say what’s on their minds. One reason is that they are unwilling. For example, someone might report smoking a pack of cigarettes per day because they are embarrassed to admit that they smoke two. Another reason is that they are unable. A smoker might truly believe that she smokes a pack a day, or might not keep track at all. The difference between being unwilling and unable is the difference between purposely hiding something from someone and unknowingly hiding something from yourself.
The Implicit Association Test (IAT) measures attitudes and beliefs that people may be unwilling or unable to report. The IAT may be especially interesting if it shows that you have an implicit attitude that you did not know about. For example, you may believe that women and men should be equally associated with science, but your automatic associations could show that you (like many others) associate men with science more than you associate women with science.
Visit the Project Implicit website to take one of the IAT from the list below:
- Gender and Sexuality
- Sexuality (‘Gay-Straight’ IAT). This IAT requires the ability to distinguish words and symbols representing gay and straight people. It often reveals an automatic preference for straight relative to gay people.(Gender and Sexuality Reflective Essay Example)
- Gender – Science. This IAT often reveals a relative link between liberal arts and females and between science and males.
- Gender – Career. This IAT often reveals a relative link between family and females and between career and males.
- Race and Ethnicity
- Race (‘Black – White’ IAT). This IAT requires the ability to distinguish faces of European and African origin. It indicates that most Americans have an automatic preference for white over black.(Gender and Sexuality Reflective Essay Example)
- Asian American (‘Asian – European American’ IAT). This IAT requires the ability to recognize White and Asian-American faces, and images of places that are either American or Foreign in origin.(Gender and Sexuality Reflective Essay Example)
- Native American (‘Native – White American’ IAT). This IAT requires the ability to recognize White and Native American faces in either classic or modern dress, and the names of places that are either American or Foreign in origin.
- First, explore the Project Implicit website.
- Next, complete one of the Implicit Association Tests (IAT) from the list above. Each test should take about 10 minutes to complete. At the end, you will receive your IAT result along with information about what it means.
- Then, share your IAT results as a screenshot (How to take a screenshot with a PC or Mac).(Gender and Sexuality Reflective Essay Example)
- Finally, write a reflective post about your thoughts and feelings (a) prior to taking the test, (b) during the actual test and (c) once you received your results.(Gender and Sexuality Reflective Essay Example)
Solution
Gender and Sexuality: A Reflective Journey
Gender and sexuality are two complex and interconnected aspects of human identity that have fascinated me throughout my life. Growing up, I observed societal norms and expectations shaping people’s perceptions of themselves and others based on their gender and sexual orientation. This reflective essay aims to explore my personal experiences and perspectives on these topics, delving into the societal influences, challenges, and transformations that have shaped my understanding of gender and sexuality.(Gender and Sexuality Reflective Essay Example)
Early Socialization and Gender Norms As a child, I was exposed to rigid gender norms that prescribed distinct roles and behaviors for boys and girls. From the toys we played with to the clothes we wore, these societal expectations reinforced the binary understanding of gender. Reflecting on this, I recognize how these early socializations shaped my perception of what it meant to be a boy or a girl. Furthermore, it fostered biases that influenced how I viewed myself and others, often limiting the spectrum of acceptable gender expressions.(Gender and Sexuality Reflective Essay Example)
Challenging Stereotypes and Discovering Identity As I matured, I encountered moments of inner conflict and confusion regarding my own gender identity and sexual orientation. I questioned the traditional norms that surrounded me and felt drawn to explore different expressions of gender and sexuality. These explorations helped me dismantle the stereotypes I had internalized, allowing me to embrace a more fluid understanding of gender and sexuality. This transformative process taught me the importance of self-acceptance and the necessity to challenge societal norms that restrict individuality.(Gender and Sexuality Reflective Essay Example)
Empathy and Understanding Interacting with people from diverse gender and sexual backgrounds has been crucial in broadening my perspective. Engaging in conversations with friends and acquaintances who identify as LGBTQ+ has fostered empathy and understanding. Learning about their unique experiences, struggles, and triumphs has furthered my awareness of the complexity of gender and sexuality. These interactions have encouraged me to support and advocate for the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.(Gender and Sexuality Reflective Essay Example)
Intersectionality and Inclusivity As my knowledge deepened, I came to realize the intersectionality of gender and sexuality with other aspects of identity, such as race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. Acknowledging this interconnection allowed me to comprehend how some groups face multiple layers of discrimination and marginalization. Consequently, I recognized the significance of fostering inclusivity in all aspects of life, working towards a society that values and respects the uniqueness of every individual.(Gender and Sexuality Reflective Essay Example)
Promoting Change and Advocacy Reflecting on my journey, I now feel a responsibility to promote positive change and advocate for gender and sexual equality. By participating in activism, educating others, and supporting organizations that champion LGBTQ+ rights, I strive to contribute to a more inclusive and accepting world. Recognizing the power of words and actions, I am mindful of how I speak about gender and sexuality, aiming to create spaces that welcome diversity and challenge harmful stereotypes.(Gender and Sexuality Reflective Essay Example)
Conclusion:
The journey of self-reflection and learning about gender and sexuality has been a transformative one for me. From the early influences of societal norms to the exploration of my own identity, I have come to appreciate the complexity and fluidity of these aspects of human existence. My experiences have fostered empathy, encouraged inclusivity, and ignited a passion for advocacy. As I move forward, I am committed to being an ally and contributing to the ongoing pursuit of a world where individuals are free to express their gender and sexuality without fear of discrimination or judgment.(Gender and Sexuality Reflective Essay Example)
Reference
A Page will cost you $12, however, this varies with your deadline.
We have a team of expert nursing writers ready to help with your nursing assignments. They will save you time, and improve your grades.
Whatever your goals are, expect plagiarism-free works, on-time delivery, and 24/7 support from us.
Here is your 15% off to get started.
Simply:
- Place your order (Place Order)
- Click on Enter Promo Code after adding your instructions
- Insert your code – Get20
All the Best,
Cathy, CS
