Sexual Self
The Biology of Sex
At birth, one’s sexuality is dependent on his physical features and genitals. Most of the
time, one’s sexuality and gender orientation are generally the same. However, biological
sex and gender orientation are two different things; biological sex is one’s assignment
upon birth and is dependent on the physical features the person has. On the other
hand, gender is an identity that is learned and embraced by the individual. It goes
beyond biological domains and is both a personal and social construct. As a social
construct, gender is known to be the socially created roles, personality traits, attitudes,
behaviors and values attributed for men and women. This also includes the relative
power and influence of each, indicating that gender is relational and refers not simply to
women or men but to the relationship between them. Thus, gender is anchored on
societal beliefs and norms.
The Biology of Sex
At birth, one’s sexuality is dependent on his physical features and genitals. Most of the
time, one’s sexuality and gender orientation are generally the same. However, biological
sex and gender orientation are two different things; biological sex is one’s assignment
upon birth and is dependent on the physical features the person has. On the other
hand, gender is an identity that is learned and embraced by the individual. It goes
beyond biological domains and is both a personal and social construct. As a social
construct, gender is known to be the socially created roles, personality traits, attitudes,
behaviors and values attributed for men and women. This also includes the relative
power and influence of each, indicating that gender is relational and refers not simply to
women or men but to the relationship between them. Thus, gender is anchored on
societal beliefs and norms.
