SOC103H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Geopolitics, Heterosexism, Ron Mahay
Document Summary
This chapter examines sexuality as a social construction; that is, while there is a biological component to sexuality, like everything else in our society, it is a product of our social context. While heterosexuality remains the norm in our society, sexual norms have changed over time; for example, some acts that were considered deviant a few decades ago are now tolerated and even accepted. An example of this point is homosexuality: thirty years ago homosexuality was considered both abnormal and illegal; however, today, there is widespread acceptance of homosexuality, including rights enshrined in the law, such as marriage. Homophobia especially when it is manifested as discrimination against gays and lesbians is no longer socially or legally acceptable. While prostitution and pornography are widely condemned by the canadian public, and to some extent, the criminal justice system, it is noted that pornography and prostitution are both divisive issues as far as sociologists are concerned.
