Relationships & Sexual Health Folio by Tejaswi MARRI

1. What is the impact of of fixed ideas about masculinity?

tejaswimarri — 2024-11-06 12:20:44 UTC

Masculinity can be defined as a set of social norms, expectations or ‘rules’ that dictate how men should behave within society. Social norms indoctrinate men to be self-sufficient, and emotionally resilient, to maintain their repute and stature. Men tend to intrinsically learn masculinity norms from their surroundings or by the behaviours people around them exhibit. The social construct of masculinity is mostly considered to be hegemonic masculinity, as it is considered the most orthodox. Firm beliefs about masculinity can prevent individuality as it limits emotional expression. This can also lead to life-threatening situations, such as suicide, or undiagnosed mental health issues. It can also have a significant impact on other communities, as ‘masculinity’ reinforces stereotypes, and fosters an environment where people are forced to conform. According to a study published in the American Journal of Men’s Health, about 33% of men reported that they were reluctant to seek mental help due to the stigma surrounding “toughen up” or “be a man”. The reinforced stereotypes also form implicit biases and impact women’s healthcare as some might face misdiagnosis or dismissal of symptoms. Studies show that women’s physical symptoms of anxiety are often dismissed as ‘emotional’ or ‘stress-related’ which leads to a 50% higher chance of misdiagnosis.

2. How can you ensure that everyone in the Glenunga Community can feel safe to be who they are without facing judgment?

tejaswimarri — 2024-11-06 12:22:53 UTC

To ensure that everyone at Glenunga is safe and comfortable is by fostering a safe environment where all opinions are valued and respected. Encouraging open communication, creating spaces of open dialogue on identity, diversity and acceptance.

1. What messages could young people receive from pornography?

tejaswimarri — 2024-11-06 12:23:33 UTC

Pornography is often shows exaggerated physical appearance and performances. It has the ability to cause distortion in one’s body image and makes a person feel like they need to measure up to unrealistic expectations. Pornography lacks the depiction of clear consent or respectful conversations, which can lead to young people not knowing the cruciality of mutual-respect and boundaries. Pornography places a great emphasis on physical intercourse, however, not so much on emotional aspects such as connection and love. This causes confusion for younger individuals about the role of emotional intimacy. Pornography can also help emphasise gender stereotypes– which puts young people at a huge disadvantage. A literature review of 21 experimental investigations, from 6 countries found the correlation between pornography usage and decline in cognitive function. Specifically in the areas of less inhibitory control, poorer working memory and distorted decision making. This is harmful, particularly for a young person. Pornography conveys harmful messages to younger population, and also distorts the way they think and behave.

2. What are some of the potential legal, social and/or personal impacts of viewing pornography?

tejaswimarri — 2024-11-06 12:23:47 UTC

Legal impacts: There are legal restrictions for individuals to view pornography. Is many cases, people under a certain age (typically 18) are not to view, posses or share pornographic material due to legal reasons. If explicit content involving minors is shared, the person responsible can face severe consequences.

Social impacts: Social withdrawal can be a consequence of a debilitating compulsion to pornographic materials as it might take the place of productive social contact, cultural engagements, or alter the social interactions of people. Youngsters might be troubled in establishing constructive and appropriate relations if their understanding of intimacy, attractiveness, and gender differentiations is distorted by pornographic materials.

Personal Impacts: Pornography from time to time causes distress and anxiety due to shame or guilt and indecision as to one’s principles. With time, it will also impose elevated anticipations in interpersonal relations which will cause frustration or a sense of lack. Excessive usage in some cases may lead to addiction and affect general day-to-day functioning as well as the individual’s psychological state.

1. What are some positive outcomes of challenging discrimination and transphobia for the transgender, gender diverse, and non-binary community?

tejaswimarri — 2024-11-06 12:24:13 UTC

Positive effects of fighting discrimination and transphobia specifically among transgender people, gender-diverse and non-binary people encompasses higher mental health, improved safety, and recognition of access to gender-neutral healthcare. Fighting against discrimination decreases stigma, encourages individualism, and fosters community. Additionally, it helps in achieving equitable representation in the media and enhances legal rights, which enables transgender, gender-diverse, and non-binary individuals to attain greater social integration and more chances of achievement.

2. How can challenging discrimination and transphobia benefit everyone in society?

tejaswimarri — 2024-11-06 12:24:45 UTC

Fighting against discrimination and transphobia is advantageous to all people in society as it cultivates compassion, acceptance and appreciation of different cultures. It makes societies and their members feel safer, promotes cohesion among members, and enhances the mental health of all people. Whenever a society pursues equal rights and justice, it lays a work to protection of the oppressed people and human rights of all people. Inclusivity increases cultural appreciation, minimizes discrimination, and enables each person to participate actively in the spheres of the society, improving the societies and promoting diversity.

Infographic:

tejaswimarri — 2024-11-06 12:39:52 UTC

Bibliography of References:

tejaswimarri — 2024-11-07 03:16:20 UTC

Connor, S., Edvardsson, K., Fisher, C. and Spelten, E. (2021) American Journal of Men’s Health, 15(6). doi: 10.1177/15579883211061009.

Cognitive Processes Related to Problematic Pornography Use (2022) NCOSE. Available at: https://endsexualexploitation.org/articles/research-spotlight/cognitive-processes-related-to-problematic-pornography-use/#:~:text=A%20review%20of%2021%20experimental%20studies%20from%20six,control%2C%20poorer%20working%20memory%2C%20and%20impaired%20decision%20making. (Accessed: 7 November 2024).

Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta, Ph. D. (2022) Impact of Masculinity on Men’s Health, News. Available at: https://www.news-medical.net/health/Impact-of-Masculinity-on-Mens-Health.aspx#:~:text=Conformity%20to%20masculine%20beliefs%20has%20a%20significant%20impact,poor%20mental%20health%2C%20substance%20use%2C%20and%20suicidal%20tendency. (Accessed: 7 November 2024).

Chlamydia (2024) healthdirect. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/chlamydia (Accessed: 7 November 2024).

Dusenbery, M. (2022) ‘Everybody was telling me there was nothing wrong’, BBC News. BBC. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180523-how-gender-bias-affects-your-healthcare (Accessed: 7 November 2024).

(No date). Available at: https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/ie-sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity/struggle-trans-and-gender-diverse-persons (Accessed: 7 November 2024).