Gender & Family Life

Gender is perhaps the most controversial subject in our society. It is difficult to talk about because it can be very personal and divisive. However, it is worth discussing.

 

This week I learned about gender-typical behaviors and perspectives as they relate to family structure. The question came up: “Does Gender Matter?”

 

To explore this question, I would like to begin this blog entry by demonstrating some of the differences between males and females. There are advantages to each gender’s traits in life and also within the context of the family structure. 

 

In one of the studies, I looked into this week, male and female toddlers were observed. Even at a young age, specific traits showed themselves as being either feminine or masculine. 

 

The study found that the female toddlers developed more quickly, had more nurturing temperaments, had better communication skills, better fine motor skills, were relationship-oriented, and were detail-oriented as well.

 

 In male toddlers, they identified masculine traits such as a bigger startle response, more violent/destructive behavior, interest in construction/building, better gross motor skills, had more gray matter in the brain, and were more general/big-picture focused. 

 

This is interesting because it shows that masculine and feminine traits are both nature and nurture with a majority dependency on nature. 

 

Although men and women have different skills, they are equals. Men and women have different traits that naturally serve their roles in the family. Their traits and talents can complement each other in the marriage, family, and society as a whole. 

 

With this being said, there is an increasingly growing number of people that struggle with gender identity. Instead of focusing on the controversy around this subject, it is my goal to focus on the help, love, and support we can show others who struggle with gender identity. 

 

First, I would like to focus on the risk factors.

 

 In terms of mental health, research data consistently shows that homosexual practices increase the risk for anxiety depression, suicidality, and other disorders. The research shows that this is true in both societies that have a lot of stigma and societies that have little to no stigma around the issue. 

 

In terms of physical health, research shows that there are higher rates of physical diseases among those who practice homosexuality, including cancer, intestinal infections, and several other diseases. 

 

The combination of mental and physical health risk factors implies a shorter lifespan. It also implies an increased risk for a reduced quality of life. 

 

With this in mind, this gives weight to the need to support and help people who struggle with homosexuality. Helping could increase the quality and length of their life. 

 

One resource is called NARTH (National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality). This is their purpose statement:

 

“NARTH’s primary goal is to make effective psychological therapy available to all homosexual men and women who seek change. NARTH wishes to open for public discussion all issues relating to homosexuality.”

 

In other words, they make counseling and therapy easily accessible for those struggling with homosexuality while being open to discussion. To ensure the quality of the organization, they continuously strive to have an international referral support system of licensed therapists. They also perform research, have professionals make mental-health focused lectures, and make publications/research accessible to the public.

 

Ultimately, the purpose of NARTH is to provide support, scholarly resources, and help to those struggling with homosexuality. Here is their information:

NARTH
16633 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1340 Encino, CA 91436–1801 

(818) 789-4440 

http://www.narth.com 

If you would like to learn more about the other research I have referred to in my blog, here is the link (see page 360-372): 

 

https://byui.instructure.com/courses/212408/files/99747210/preview

 

In conclusion, men and women have specific traits that support their roles in the family system. Men and women are different, and that is a positive thing. For those struggling with homosexuality, there is help there. We should support and love those struggling, especially considering how they are at a higher risk for physical and mental health problems. Organizations such as NARTH are available to the public and provide many resources to help those struggling with homosexuality. Gender does matter, and it is worth talking about.