Human Sexuality
According to Stahly and Corrigan (2012), gender identity is explained as a concept that involves the identification and perception of self in relation to one’s either masculine or feminine traits. The society perceives a clear distinction between masculinity and femininity and their associated roles and features. In this case, boys are expected to be rough and engage in sports as well as being assertive and confident with excellent leadership skills. On the other hand, girls are supposed to be gentle and sensitive, and also carry themselves with ease and poise.
However, there are other categories that are not clearly defined as being masculine or feminine. In the former case, boys who are not considered to be masculine tend to adopt traits and activities usually associated with those of girls. Similarly, girls who shun femininity develop characters and adopt behavioral characteristics associated with boys. In this case, the boys in this category, are often termed as ‘sissies’, a derogatory and demeaning phrase that erodes the confidence of individuals in this respect. Additionally, girls who exhibit general boyish behavior and demeanor are often termed as ‘tomboys’. Unlike their male counterparts, girls in this category are often tolerated as it is considered a phase which one eventually grows past as they approach adulthood.
The above behavior described for both boys and girls has elicited mixed views concerning the aspect of homosexuality. In this case, some individuals are of the opinion that boys and girls that exhibit cross-gendered behaviors are homosexuals. Other persons hold a contrary opinion. Research studies have not yielded conclusive facts in this respect. However, the cross-gendered behavior may be indicative of homosexuality for girls than compared to boys. According to Halim, Dalmut, Greulich, and Ruble (2011), a research study shows that girls who are exposed to high levels of testosterone during their prenatal stage of their mothers’ pregnancy were more likely to engage in a masculine-typical behavior. On the other hand, however, no correlation was found between the level of testosterone and the adoption of feminine-typical behavior among boys. Besides, research has proven that hormones influence brain development processes, thereby affecting permanent behavior.
As indicated above, tomboys are often tolerated in the society, unlike boys who adopt feminine behavior and engage in respective activities. According to Halim et al. (2011), tomboys are often considered to be self-reliant and independent. They also excel in both sports and academics due to their highly competitive nature. As a result, they tend to be popular amongst their peers. As a result, they enjoy good relationships with both genders and experience a feeling of acceptance. On the other hand, boys who adopt feminine behaviors experience a hard time as society is intolerant of their character. The stereotype of being a ‘sissy’ is demeaning and boys who experience such treatment often have low self-confidence.
Also, as a result of society’s stereotyping, individuals in these categories often feel the pressure of conforming in accordance to widely adopted and acceptable behavior.As a result of the feeling of being in the middle between the need to adapt to the society and that of embracing their true self, individuals are often affected by poor mental health (Carr, 2012).
According to Hickey (2011), a paraphilia is described as an abnormal sexual behavior that may mainly involve the engagement in an extraordinary act in the quest for sexual satisfaction. These behaviors are often considered to be atypical and extreme. Hickey (2011) further indicates that a paraphilia may involve unusual objects and acts such as infliction oneself to pain. This type of behavior may affect individuals who may exhibit cross-gendered behavior and engagement in respective activities. However, the male group is more likely to develop paraphilia than compared to women. As indicated above, the tolerance of tomboys in the society means that women who are in this category are accepting of themselves and even encouraged and comfortable in their status. In this case, they are likely to develop healthy relationships with their peers, both male, and female. As a result, they are considered to be popular and enjoy their acceptance of their gender identity.
As stated earlier, men who exhibit feminine tendencies face a hard time from the society in terms of their preferences, behavior, and interests. As such, they are more inclined to develop unusual behavioral traits, one of these being paraphilia.
The type of paraphilia likely to be adopted by male individuals is that of cross-dressing, also referred to as transvestic fetishism. In this regard, the embracement of this behavior may be driven by the need to express their inner self which may strive for freedom of expression. For instance, men may harbor strange behaviors such as harboring underwear. Hickey (2011) agrees with this view and indicates that men are more likely to develop paraphilia than compared to women.
For a parent whose younger child expresses the desire to engage in behavior and activities considered typical of the opposite gender, no intervention is necessary. In this case, from different research studies, it is believed that in as much as behavior is a product of genetic and environmental influences, interference in the discovery process is considered harmful to a child’s healthy development. For this reason, children should be encouraged to face their personal path to identity development.
References
Carr, C. (2012). Tomboy resistance and conformity. Sage Journals. Vol. 12, No. 5.
Halim, M., Dalmut, E., Greulich, F., & Ruble, D. (2011). The role of athletics in the self-esteem of tomboys. Child Development Research. Vol.20, No. 11. Retrieved from http://www.hindawi.com/journals/cdr/2011/830345/
Hickey, E. W. (2011). Sex crimes and paraphilia. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson Education.
Stahly, G. B., & Corrigan, R. A. (2012). Gender identity, equity, and violence: Multidisciplinary perspectives through service learning. Sterling: Stylus.
