Article summary with Doing Gender in Sex and Sex Research? by Vanwesenbeeck - 2009

Gender and sexuality are interconnected and extensively studied topics in sexology. Research on gender and homosexuality shows that there is a complex and variable relationship between gender and sexual orientation. The study of intersex, gender dysphoria, and transgenderism also demonstrates the complexity of gender. However, most studies focus on gender in relation to men and women in heterosexuality, as it is a fundamental and interdependent aspect. The term "heterogender" has been proposed to describe the asymmetrical stratification of the sexes within patriarchal heterosexuality. However, studying gender in heterosexuality presents challenges in sex research. In this essay, the author identifies and discusses difficulties in treating gender in sex research, presenting evidence and a process-oriented perspective on gendered sexual behavior. The aim is to highlight the importance of gender in understanding sexuality, view gender and sexuality as ongoing social processes, and emphasize the need for a nuanced and balanced approach to studying gender in sex research.

What is the connection between gender and sex?

One difficulty in sex research is the confusion between the terms "gender" and "sex." Originally, "gender" was used to describe cultural femininity and masculinity, while "sex" referred to biological males and females. However, over time, "gender" has been increasingly used to simply refer to concrete men and women. This shift has led to the misuse of the term, often with a biological determinist perspective. The meaning of "gender" continues to be a subject of debate among feminists. Additionally, there has been a shift from modern to postmodern approaches, emphasizing performativity and diversity. In this essay, the terms "sex" and "gender" are used interchangeably to address the overall division between male and female, while applying each term where specifically relevant.

What is the connection between gender and sexuality?

A second difficulty in understanding gender and sexuality is the prevalent view that gender determines sexuality, despite arguments for a mutually influential relationship. Throughout history, gender has been prioritized over sexuality, with a few exceptions. However, scholars now assert that gender and sexuality are inherently interdependent and mutually informing. The relationship between gender and heterosexuality is particularly strong and reciprocal. This relationship is characterized as dynamic, fluid, and patterned, with a metaphor of a shoreline, where gender represents the land (greater fixity) and sexuality represents the sea (greater fluidity). This metaphor captures the ever-changing interconnectedness, influenced by biological, institutional, and ideological factors. However, the metaphor may not fully account for individual agency and daily interactions in shaping gender and sexuality.

Why is research preoccupied with difference?

Despite calls for a shift in focus, gender/sex differences continue to be a central concern in sex research. The use of gender as a dichotomy and the creation of an "other" category have drawn criticism, particularly in the clinical sphere. Calls for a more nuanced approach to gender differences in sex therapy have emerged. Dichotomous, binary thinking has seen a resurgence, especially in disciplines like sociobiology and evolutionary psychology, which argue for hard-wired sex differences. This preoccupation with differences is exacerbated by the tendency to exaggerate them, despite evidence indicating their small magnitudes.

There are conceptual, research-technical, and political reasons behind the inclination to categorize and make distinctions between genders. Conceptually, the differentiation between women and men is seen as essential in sexology. Research-technical reasons, such as optimizing conditions to maximize sex differences in animal studies, also contribute to the focus on differences. Furthermore, political considerations necessitate sensitivity to gender differences, as they are intertwined with gender emancipatory processes. The acknowledgment, study, and sensitivity to sex/gender differences have been vital for progress after years of male-dominated research.

The cognitive realm presents consistent evidence of sex differences in various attitudes, such as attitudes towards casual sex. Women tend to be more relation-oriented, while men are often more self-, body-, or recreation-oriented. Sexual self-schemas also show slight variations between genders. However, these differences are often small. In the behavioral realm, men tend to report higher frequencies of sexual thoughts, acts, and solo behaviors like masturbation. There are also differences in sexual assertiveness, autonomy, aggression, coercion, and victimization. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the differences, while present, are not always substantial.

Women tend to report slightly higher rates of sexual problems and dysfunctions, although the differences are not large. Sexual victimization remains a robust and consistently found sex difference. Additionally, women often experience more negative feelings towards sex and score lower on sexual satisfaction. Sex differences also emerge in terms of sexual plasticity, with women exhibiting greater within-person variance over time and responsiveness to socio-cultural variables.

While gender differences exist, it is crucial not to exaggerate them. Exaggerating gender differences can lead to polarization, stereotyping, and stigmatization. It is important to strike a balance between recognizing differences and avoiding the pitfalls of categorical thinking. By acknowledging the limitations of focusing solely on differences, the field can foster a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of gender and sexuality.

What are confounding factors of gendered behavior?

Focusing solely on gender or sex differences overlooks the diversity within groups and individual variability. The attribution of variability to sex alone is overly simplistic. The persistence of the double standard is a societal factor challenging the primary role of sex in explaining gender differences. The double standard imposes conflicting expectations on women, while men are encouraged to embrace their sexuality. Societal attitudes and experiences heavily influence the evaluation and perception of women's sexuality, leading to ambiguous behavior and experiences. Gender role adherence has detrimental effects, limiting social possibilities and contributing to negative outcomes. Other factors, such as social division of labor, personality traits, and cognitive processing, confound sex differences in sexuality. Considering these factors helps uncover within-gender variations often overlooked in research.

What are some perspectives on the body?

The body's relationship to gender and sexuality is a complex topic. One perspective focuses on biological factors such as genes, hormones, and the brain. However, there are still many uncertainties and conflicting results in this area. Another perspective examines the cultural objectification of the female body, which can lead to self-objectification and body monitoring. This perspective highlights the negative consequences of objectification but lacks exploration of potential empowering effects. A poststructuralist view sees the body as a cultural construct influenced by ideas about gender. The interactional perspective emphasizes the performative nature of gender and sexuality, highlighting the ongoing process of enacting gendered behavior in social interactions. These perspectives offer valuable insights, but challenges remain in understanding the complex relationship between gender, biology, and sexuality.

What does is mean to do gendered sexuality?

Gendered sexuality refers to the enactment of sexual behavior that aligns with stereotypical gender roles. Several factors influence the likelihood of engaging in gendered sexual behavior. First, the centrality of the behavior to traditional heterosexual scripts and its positive evaluation by society increase the chances of enactment. Situational aspects also play a role, as certain environments and contexts may promote or discourage gendered sexuality. Public settings, unfamiliar situations, and triggers in the environment can all contribute to the likelihood of exhibiting gendered behavior. Furthermore, partners' characteristics and dynamics influence gendered sexual behavior. Power differentials, dependence, and partners' gender typing can elicit and enforce gendered behavior in individuals. Overall, the enactment of gendered sexuality is influenced by behavior-related aspects, situation-related aspects, and partner-related aspects.