MAPEH 8 WEEK 4 (1 st Quarter)

Health
Lesson 4: Gender and Human Sexuality
I. Introduction:
Share your insights on the given terms below; share your answers with the class.

II. Objectives:
Identify basic terms in sexuality (sex, sexuality, gender, etc.) Relate
the importance of sexuality to family health.
Explain the dimensions of human sexuality.

III. Lesson Proper:

Sometimes, sex and gender have been interchangeably used, through the two terms have different meanings.
A person’s sex is determined by his/her biological traits-internal and external reproductive anatomy and other
physiological characteristics. Simply, sex is whether a person is a male or a female.
Gender on the other hand, is how a person sees himself/herself based on his/ her life experiences and/or
his/her role in the society, and how he/she selects to express himself/herself.
Sexuality is the idea that you have about the kind of person you are (self-concept). “Sexuality” is an
important component of one’s personality; it is all about being male or female, the name given to you, clothes you
wear, friends, role, and responsibility; it is the central aspect of being a human throughout life and encompasses sex,
gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, and reproduction (World Health
Organization, 2004)
How Sexuality is Regarded
1. Sexuality is a person’s perception, feelings, and behaviours to others.
Other people could help you to understand, What sexuality is. There is a popular adage that states, “You
cannot see a dirt on your face unless you look at a mirror or other people point it out.”
2. Sexuality is a person’s attitudes and behaviour toward himself/herself.
As a person grows older, there will be lots of experiences that he/she should deal with. The range of
experiences that concerns social, emotional, and physical changes will widen. A person must have a great
knowledge on how to deal with these changes. Such as can affect a person’s self-esteem, decision making,
and behaviour.
3. Sexuality is a person’s total self. Self is
the way you…..
a. Value your relationships (ethical);
b. Think as a man or woman (mental);

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 c. Interact with others (social);
d. Feel about yourself and others (emotional); and
e. Look as a man or woman (physical).

Characteristics Of A Person With A Healthy Sexuality

Healthy sexuality means being comfortable and contended with your attitudes about your sex
(gender) role. Gender role is a set of roles, expectations, and characteristics of how you should feel,
think, and act, which are normally influenced by your parents, peers, and society.

Factors that influence a person’s sexual attitudes and behaviours

The interconnection of several factors helps shape a person’s attitude toward sex.
1. Family
The family is the most important influence in an individual’s life. Every family has values, cultural beliefs, and
traditions. Parents, in particular, teach their children sexual behaviours that are acceptable and unacceptable
and unacceptable in accordance to their values and beliefs.
2. Friends/ Peers
Friends/Peers are another important influence in all individual’s lives. Sometimes, a person gets pressure from
his/her peers to do something he/ she does not want to do. Peer pressure can be particularly powerful and it
is hard to say no to friends. Good friends do not pressure a person to change his/her values or risk his/her
health by engaging in any form of sexual activity.
3. School
A student spends a lot of time at school. Students who are focused or directed to learn and engage in school
activities are less likely to participate in sexual activity.
4. Religious Traditions
A person’s cultural background may be another factor that can influence his/her sexual activities and
behaviours. Religion may play an important role in a person’s life and can make him/her less likely to engage in
any form of sexual activity.
5. Mass Media
Some of the most powerful influences that affect a person’s attitude toward sex come from the media- TV,
Radio, internet, movies, magazines, and newspapers.
Individuals who are exposed to sexually explicit media tend to have increased sexual feelings and desires that
can make sexual activity tempting.
Importance of Sexuality to Family Health
Being aware of one’s sexuality can help in communicating openly to family members, particularly to parents.
Having a “good talk” with parents or any of the family members can lessen the chances of early involvement
in any sexual activities. When parents affirm their children’s values and beliefs, young people create healthy
and value-laden decisions in life.
IV. Reference:
Upscale MAPEH 7, Brilliant Creation Publishing Inc.
Prepared by:
Sir Ed
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