Sexuality Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Sexuality - Research Paper Example In recent years, diverse authors in critical applied linguistics have highlighted various dimensions of power inequalities in the exploration of social identities (e.g., Varney, 2002; Simon-Maeda, 2004). The contribution of this critical approach has highlighted the need to challenge the reproduction of unjust power relations. It has also suggested strategies for empowerment and social transformation. However, this approach has been limited, to some extent, in its applicability to issues of gender and sexuality due to the influence of social constructionism. Mohr (1992) defines a radical social constructionist perspective as one that posits human beings as "blank slates" whose behaviors are determined by the influence of environmental factors. Mohr criticizes what he sees as a disregard for evidence of the role of biological factors in matters of gender and of sexuality. However, an acute focus on biological dimensions also has significant limitations. Sears (1997) evokes this problem in his analysis of sexuality education in most Western educational contexts: "Relying heavily on biology and side-stepping issues of morality, teachers seldom employ the social sciences and the arts to explore the labyrinthine social structures of sexuality and gender" (pp. 275-276). Dimensions of morality, emotional depth, non-conscious processes, and individual imagination in gender and sexuality are sometimes lost in approaches where subjects seem to be determined either by biology or by their participation in language and culture. In his article on agency and identity issues surrounding sexuality, Phillips (1996) remarks that social constructionism is now "[T]he dominant paradigm, indeed orthodoxy, within gay and lesbian cultural studies" (p. 105). This paradigm has limited success in initiating dialogue on gender and sexuality issues with those who conceptualize and experience their own sex and sexuality as solid facts, rather than the cumulative product of socio-cultural acts (Mohr, 1992). While Nelson (1999) lauds queer theory's slogan of "acts not facts," it has to be noted that the reverse position-facts, not acts- seems to be the perspective of the majority of practitioners in education. Indeed, Phillips argues that many students also feel this way with regard to their sense of self for sexual identities. On the one hand, then, there is a body of literature in critical applied linguistics and in queer studies (e.g. Perrotti & Westheimer, 2001; Wyss, 2004) that asserts a social constructionist perspective on gender and sexuality identities. The basis for this approach is often taken from a type of psychoanalytic drives theory that accords primal positivity to all expressions of sexual desire. This dominant perspective in academic spheres seems to have little potential for changing the contrasting perspectives of the majority of participants in education, and in society at large, where attention to the moral dimension of sexuality issues is prevalent. This perspective finds no point of connection with discourses that specify few moral parameters in considering diverse issues of sexuality such as the age-of-consent for minors,

Key Dimensions of National Culture in Saudi Arabia using Hofstede Research Paper

Key Dimensions of National Culture in Saudi Arabia using Hofstede Model - Research Paper Example Uncertainty Avoidance The day to day business of Saudi Arabia is also greatly influenced by Islamic principles; which we will analyze in the light of Hofstede model. Geert Hofstede used 5 dimensions to analyze the culture of various countries; these dimensions being power distance individualism, masculinity/femininity, uncertainty avoidance and long term orientation. Hofstede analysis for Saudi Arabia validates that their Muslim faith plays a significant role in people’s lives. (Hofstede, 1980) Their business culture puts a great emphasise on personal relationships between business associates. The Saudis prefer to do business with their family members, friends or those they are quiet familiar with. This shows that they like to be in their comfort zones, and do not trust people easily while doing business. Saudis like to have rigid codes of belief and behaviors and are intolerant of unorthodox behavior and ideas. For example, they do not approve of any unislamic habits or behav iors like drinking alcohol, eating pork, womenizing, gambling etc. This also gives an insight on the uncertainty avoidance of Saudis, which is 80 and it indicates that they prefer to avoid uncertainty in life. While doing business with familiar people, they can avoid the risk of working with someone entirely new. They have strict islamic punishments for theft, rape, murder and other crimes to put an iron hand on criminals. They have conservative dress codes in business and do not approve of modern attires. They are very risk averse in nature and avoid changes. By having rigid codes of conducts, laws, regulations, and rules they ensure that there is least amount of uncertainty and the unexpected do not happen. Power distance Saudi Arabia works in a high power distance community. Power is distributed ineuqally and there are vertical organizational structure. (Doing business in Saudi Arabia, online) Saudia is one of the few countries in the world, where the greatest power lies in the r oyal palace. Their king has the most authority in the country. Their score of 95 (Hofstede, 1980) on power distance indicates that the people accept their strict hierarichal model and do not object the unequal distribution of power. The power is usually central and most decisions are made at the top level, which are then filtered down with clear and exact directions to subordinates. The subordinates are much less empowered as compared to other cultures, and they do not have authority to make decisions. This shows their tendency to stick to tradional values and unacceptibility for modern menthods of business and governance. Collectivistic Society Saudis muslim faith compels them to stick to their families. A great emphasize on the family values is given in islam. Saudis value their families and friends, and deem them to be the most important aspects of their lives. Their decisions are largely influenced by the social setting they live in, and the responsibilities they have as family members. With a score of 25, they are very collectivistic society. They are driven by long term commitments in the form of groups. These groups consists of family, extended family and friends. Because of their muslim faith, loyalty and strong relationships with their family and friends is very important. As Islam considers all muslims as brothers and sisters, Saudis are very committed towards their fellow muslims. Maculinity Goverened by their faith, women are given great respect