Sociology Paper 1 Section A: Sexuality Identity

Question 1

Weeks

Answer 1

Not many heterosexual people would say ‘I am heterosexual’. To say ‘I am gay’ or ‘I am a lesbian’ makes a statement about belonging and your identity to a specific sexual code.

Question 2

McIntosh

Answer 2

In Western cultures, the role of homosexual males involves certain expectations e.g., feminist mannerisms, high voice. Once a male has accepted this label, he will start to fulfil it. Cited evidence of married men who see themselves as ‘straight’ but still admit to attraction to males.

Question 3

Plummer

Answer 3

Partially supports McIntosh, seeing homosexuality as a process. A male who has accepted the label will seek out others and join a subculture. This suggests it’s not actually sexual attraction but internalisation of a label that creates a homosexual. This is a difficult process of becoming the ‘other’.

Question 4

Rich

Answer 4

Women’s sexuality is oppressed by men.

Question 5

Ti-Grace Atkinson

Answer 5

Political lesbianism

Question 6

Changing sexual identities

Answer 6

Homosexuality is no longer classified as a ‘condition’. The age of consent for sexual intercourse was equalised in 2000, regardless of orientation.
Equality Act 2010 - cannot discriminate against homosexuals