The term “sexual behavior” encompasses various actions that people engage in to show their sexuality. Sexual arousal is a part of these behaviors’ biological and cultural aspects. Sociologists in sexuality study sexual attitudes and behaviors rather than physical anatomy or physiology. Sexiness is defined as a person’s ability to have sexual thoughts and emotions (Lumen Learning, 2022) A intriguing feature of studying sexual attitudes and behaviors in sociology is universal across cultures (Nickerson, 2022). The great majority of human beings have engaged in sexual activity at some point or another. However, sexuality and sexual behavior are interpreted in various ways by different societies. There are a variety of contentious issues when it comes to sexuality, such as premarital sex, the legal age of consent, homosexuality, and masturbation (Lumen Learning, 2022). Sociologists have discovered that many cultures share a set of standards. Homosexuality, the desire or urge to engage in sexual activity with another person of the same sex (Lumen Learning, 2022). An examination of homosexuality in conflict theory is the focus of this study.
There are a variety of sociological perspectives known collectively as “conflict theory,” all of which reject functionalist assumptions. The theory holds that human societies are fundamentally characterized by conflicts for access to scarce resources among competing groups (Nickerson, 2022). Theories of conflict imply disparities of power and resources in all societies, which leads to competing interests among various social groupings. Conflict theory concentrated on the struggle between the ruling capitalist class, which owns the means of production, and the working class, which the bourgeoisie exploit to make a profit (Nickerson, 2022).
Marxist conceptions of the conflict believe that conflict is both pervasive and significant. According to endemic conflict theories, a relationship is likely to be plagued by conflict at numerous moments. According to Marxism, those from various class groupings have conflicting interests in society, which holds that society is structured on class relations. There is an inherent tension in every encounter, and this conflict does not just present itself in behaviors. Marxists believe that the less powerful participants in a class dispute may be unable or afraid to voice their grievances publicly.
Conflict theory views sexuality as another sector wherein power imbalances exist and where dominant groups actively try to promote their ideology and economic interests. The conflict hypothesis explains why and how sexual behavior is an issue. The national discussion over homosexual marriage’s legalization has heated up recently (Nickerson, 2022). As a result of the worldwide discussions over homosexual weddings, this article is structured around the idea that national identities are being questioned. The natural heterosexual nuclear family’s normative standing is endangered by supporting homosexual weddings and adoptions of children by such couples. The rights of gays and lesbians would be jeopardized if these unions were not recognized. Ideological and economic aspects of same-sex marriage disputes are important to conflict theorists. As a result, dominant groups consider a secular, individualistic worldview as a danger to their worldview, which they see as an invasion.
Contrary to popular belief, many gay and lesbian campaigners insist on the basic right to marry regardless of sexual orientation. Changing marriage laws has previously been done in the past, such as when interracial unions were once again made legal during the 1960s (Lumen Learning, 2022). Proponents of same-sex marriage argue that the financial advantages of a legally recognized marriage, such as Social Security and health insurance, make a case for the practice (Nickerson, 2022). These advantages should be available to all married couples, as they believe. According to conflict theory, when heterosexual and gay groups compete for these resources, violence is inevitable.
Furthermore, theorists use conflict theory to challenge how society interprets and experiences the concepts of gender and human sexuality (Nickerson, 2022). Education on the sociology of sexuality and sex will assist in raising awareness of subordinate categories such as homosexual and transgender people’s disparities. This will aid in the development of viable solutions to the conflict theory (Nickerson, 2022). The core ideas of conflict theory may explain many historical wars. According to the theory, conflict is the driving factor behind social change and growth.
However, they also believe that rising same-sex weddings have polarized opinions and created a dilemma where individuals must choose between the two. This must be done without making the marriage itself a social or economic issue. In actuality, there seems to be no place for a position that does neither favor nor oppose same-sex marriage. Gay individuals are denied inherent human rights (Nickerson, 2022). This duality and belief that individuals must eagerly support or oppose this institution’s criticism has intensified.
In conclusion, the conflict theory holds that sexual identity is yet another spot where power imbalances occur and where dominant organizations seek to promote their ideology. Additionally, economic relations, and dispute is prevalent to human relations because of the perception that society is terms of class relations. Moreover, those from different social categories have opposing interests is at the heart of the conflict theory.
References
Charlotte Nickerson. (2021). Conflict. Simply Psychology. Web.
Lumen Learning. (2022). Sex and sexuality | Introduction to sociology. Web.