The Relationship between Social Class and Sexuality
The innovative global class that was developed in the modern era has a different relationship with sexuality. For instance, there are specific articulations of the LGBTQ culture in the middle and upper classes with little to no visible marginalization of the identity. Although other elements have also played a significant influence in these processes, the social class has (Plante & Maurer, 2010). While institutionalized homophobia and sexism may have declined for upper social strata, social exclusion of others has increased with rising inequality. Therefore there is need to divert greater attention to the dynamics and interconnections between social class and sexuality.
The Impact of Class and Cultural Divisions on Sexuality
The global developments in class and cultural divisions have impacted the lived experiences of many individuals especially in their constructions of sexuality. The society’s focus on issues such as equal rights, inclusion and democracy risks obscuring the growing inequalities structurally (Veenstra, 2013). The reductive class analyses associated problems such as sexuality have not been well theorized, and they lack sufficient empirical investigation. Among the middle class and high class in the society, the issue of sexuality is well taken in comparison to the lower classes; this can be attributed to factors such as the level of education and the perceived equality in these categories (Plante & Maurer, 2010). Most of the individuals in these classes understand and value equal human rights and therefore respect the right of others. The level of education help people understand other and learn to live together in diversity respecting each other’s differences. Therefore there is less homophobia and marginalization. However, in the lower social classes, there is evidently more marginalization based on sexuality. This can be attributed to what this class lacks that the middle class has, lack of proper education level makes ignorance high in the community, and therefore these individuals find it hard to coexist with people who are different. The lack and poverty in this class may lead to frustration and therefore the hostility towards he LGBTQ may be just a form of venting out their anger and frustrations (Veenstra, 2013). There are cultural differences between classes too which might also influence their attitudes and behavior towards the LGBTQ.
The Role of Class in Understanding Sexuality
The notion of class remains a major aspect when it comes to sexuality, and it should therefore be unpacked to help understand more in the prism of gender and sexuality, this would help shed light on how exactly class relates with sexuality.
The Connection between Bodies and Sexualities
There is always a relationship that can be drawn from a person’s body about their sexuality. However, there is no normal, and at times appearances are deceiving. There are however the expectations and stereotype characteristics that the modern society attaches to different sexualities, and although these may prove right sometimes, it’s always not right. The way people look doesn’t necessarily define their sexuality (Knox, 2001). Body features at birth determine the gender a child is assigned to, but there are physical characteristics that develop later in an individual’s life that reflect on their sexuality or are expected to prove one’s sexuality. Sexuality is about how an individual enjoys their physical bodies, emotional self, and their romantic self. Sexual orientation is sometimes used synonymously with sexuality, and it describes who a person is and who they are interested in sharing their sexuality with.
Gendered Bodies and Societal Expectations
Gendered bodies involve the conformity to the society’s standards and expectations which in most cases involve the choice of female or male gender actions (Lorber & Moore, 2011). For instance, the society expects men to behave and look in a certain way; he is supposed to be dominating, experienced, good performer, fit, masculine, and confident. There are similar expectations for women in the society who are supposed to be submissive, gorgeous, desirable, seductive, confident and freshly groomed among others. Failure by an individual to subscribe to the expected standards of the society is considered deviance. For example, a feminine male who is submissive may be labeled gay. Although it may be argued that sexuality is based on psychology, the way a person talks, looks and behaves may describe their sexuality. A masculine lady who is dominating and confident will probably be a lesbian. Although appearances are deceiving, to a large extent an individual’s body can be used to tell their sexuality (Knox, 2001).
Influences on an Individual's Sexuality
Contrary to the society’s expectations about the body and sexuality, there are cases where people may show the exact opposite of their sexuality. This is because a person’s sexuality can be influenced by many other aspects of that person’s life. For example, the environment, health, sexual violence experiences, faith, culture and even social circles may influence an individual’s sexuality (Lorber & Moore, 2011).
White (non-Latino) Women and Latina (non-White) Women and Breast Cancer
As much as breast cancer is traumatizing to all the women affected irrespective of race and they all face fear and anxiety, the situation is harsher to others. In comparison with white women; Latina women find it more difficult processing the effects of the disease. This is because of several factors from the environment they live in. For instance, their body shape is a very important aspect of their sexuality, and since the disease alters this, they are let with problems coping. They may not find the necessary health care for services such as implants, and this affects them adversely (Banegas & Li, 2012). Latina women in most cases prefer keeping their experiences secret and will therefore not disclose their ailment to anyone but to close family. In comparison, white women have no problem revealing the disease, and this gives them a better chance of surviving since the society supports them. A high percentage of Latina breast cancer survivors are left by their husbands due to their looks and partly because of their lost interest in intimacy.
Sexuality of Women Facing Breast Cancer
The sexuality of women facing breast cancer is not always similar. Some will have problems with the treatment process depending mainly on the method of treatment. There is a probability of reduced intimacy especially due to the physical changes in the woman (Banegas & Li, 2012). They may not feel confident with their new looks and therefore lower self-esteem and interest in intimacy. Other women may have no problem, with enough medical care and support from the family, they get through it without much worry about their sexuality (Banegas & Li, 2012).
Similarities among Women Battling Breast Cancer
Focus on the differences may make us forget or overlook the similarities of all women battling breast cancer. All are faced with fear and anxiety about the outcomes and the cause of the illness despite maybe living healthy previously. Most of them will lean on spirituality since the situations are out of their control. They all need support with the medical care and a supportive family so that they can cope well with the unprecedented lifestyle changes. Another similarity among these women is the fear of a recurrence of the disease. Having gone through the treatment process which is very painful, the thoughts of a recurring incident are traumatizing to all (Banegas & Li, 2012).
References
Banegas, M. & Li, C. (2012). Breast cancer characteristics and outcomes among Hispanic Black and Hispanic White women. Breast Cancer Research And Treatment, 134(3), 1297-1304. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10549-012-2142-1
Bellenir, K. (2009). Breast cancer sourcebook (1st ed.). Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics.
Knox, M. (2001). Sexing the Body: Gender, Politics, and the Construction of Sexuality, and: Transmen and FTMs: Identities, Bodies, Genders, and Sexualities (review). Journal Of The History Of Sexuality, 10(2), 321-324. http://dx.doi.org/10.1353/sex.2001.0034
Lorber, J. & Moore, L. (2011). Gendered bodies (1st ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.
Plante, R. & Maurer, L. (2010). Doing gender diversity (1st ed.). Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
Veenstra, G. (2013). Race, gender, class, sexuality (RGCS) and hypertension. Social Science & Medicine, 89, 16-24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.04.014
