As part of my literature and language class, I was required to incorporate a scholarly article from JSTOR in my essay (Greene & Lidinsky 23). In my assignment, I utilized the article Sexuality and Globalization. Dennis Altman authored the article. In the article, the author argues that over time improvements in technology and globalization have had immense changes on sexuality especially in the developing world (Altman 22). In the 21st century, globalization has not only led to deeper understanding of sexuality, but has also led to emphasis on queries about sexual identity and HIV & AIDS.
Currently, innovations play key role in our daily social lives. Throughout history, improvements in technology have had a dynamic relationship with gender identity (Altman 23). Unlike in the past, the speed at which the technology changes in our current society is affecting contemporary societies in new and transformative ways. As such, these changes in social norms and dominant ideologies are quickly changing the perceptions held about gender. Notably, the media, internet, and other influential powers are constructing beliefs, norms, and perceptions of gender identity. During the last 2 centuries, several gender identity theories have been developed (Altman 25). According to the sociologists, gender is identified through physical body features, behaviors, and interpretations of our physical and physiological inputs (Altman 28). Currently, it is widely believed that gender is an experience of the mind. This implies that gender identities are not innate.
Foer and Appiah’s perspective on globalization can be used to understand the Effects of Globalization on Sexuality. The two scholars have become renowned for their analysis of globalization with respect to global relations. Foer and Appiah express their views about the negative impacts of globalization on economy, politics, and society. Foer’s perception is illustrated using soccer sport. He illustrates that soccer has unified many nations. He believes that the above relation should be admired. Based on Foer’s perspective, it can be asserted that in the 20th century, globalization redefined the understanding of gender identities. During this century, the world witnessed enormous infrastructural developments. Through these developments, people were able to travel and mingle unlike any other time in history.
Owing to this, several cultures and beliefs integrated leading to different understandings on gender identity. Researchers argue that out of globalization effects, homosexuality did not only become prevalent, but also became acceptable among diverse societies (Altman 22). During the century, several countries acknowledged the fact that laws that prohibited homosexuality were against the human rights entitled to every individual. In the same period, several countries abolished gender biased laws and laws that prohibited homosexuality. Following this initiative, same sex marriages and gay sex became acceptable among most modern societies in the developed nations. In general, globalization has increased public awareness in homosexuality leading to its acceptance in the current societies.
On the other hand, Appiah analyzed globalization with respect to cosmopolitanism (Appiah 4). He asserts that individuals should embrace past cultures, which enhanced unity in the society. According to Appiah, globalization has an enhanced separation in the society. In his analysis, he questions whether globalization has enhanced diversity. He asserts that globalization has resulted in many challenges. For instance, he alleges that technology has influenced negatively on the lives of individuals. With respect to sexuality, globalization has increased the spread of HIV & AIDS in undeveloped nations. During the post-Cold War world, increased fiscal and public reforms enhanced the spread of HIV & AIDS (Altman 30). Owing to this, it can be argued that the disease’s effects have been worsened by globalization. It is estimated that close to 15,000 individuals succumb to the disease every day to the disease. In developing countries, the disease is compromising the development projects.
In conclusion, it should be noted that globalization and technology have had immense effects on sexuality. In history, improvements in technology have had a dynamic relationship with gender identity (Altman 27). Over time, improvements in technological advancements and globalization have had enormous impacts on gender identity. Not like in the past, the speed at which the technology changes in our current society are affecting contemporary societies in new and transformative ways. As such, these changes in social norms and dominant ideologies are quickly changing the perceptions held about gender. With respect to sexuality, globalization has increased the spread of HIV & AIDS in undeveloped nations. During the post-Cold War world, increased fiscal and public reforms enhanced the spread of HIV & AIDS. In general, globalization has not only led to deeper understanding of sexuality, but has also led to emphasis on queries about sexual identity and HIV & AIDS. Based on the above illustrations, it is apparent that globalization has resulted in many challenges.
Changes made in drafting the above essay.
- An engaging introduction was added
- A brief history of how globalization has impacted sex identity was added
- Effects of globalization on sexual identity was analyzed based on Appiah and Foer’s perspectives
- An engaging conclusion that summarizes the article was added
Works Cited
Altman, Dennis. “Sexuality and globalization.” Agenda: Empowering women for gender equity 2.62 (2004): 22-28. Web.
Appiah, Anthony. Cosmopolitanism. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 2007. Print.
Foer, Franklin. How soccer explains the world: an unlikely theory of globalization. New York: HarperCollins, 2004. Print.
Greene, Stuart, and April Lidinsky. From inquiry to academic writing: a text and reader. 2nd ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008. Print.