Sexual Orientation and expression 250 words minimum

Gender ideology is the set of beliefs that govern people’s participation in the gender order and by which they explain and justify that participation. In this discussion, you will focus on how beliefs about sex and virginity affect gender relations and sexuality.

Before participating in this discussion, be sure that you have read Chapter 4 in your textbook, The Ambiguity of Sex and Virginity Loss, and watched the video You Can't POP your Cherry (HYMEN 101) [Video file][03 min 42 sec].  Before posting your initial response, be sure that you have also read one of the following two articles:

• Living Myths About Virginity
• The trouble with virginity: What America's sexual language leaves out

You may also find it useful to read the optional article Surgery allows Muslims to reclaim virginity: For women, illusion is key to a new life.

For this discussion activity, respond to the following:

• Explain the factors that may account for individuals’ changing definitions and interpretations of virginity loss.
• What effect do you think these factors have on women's rights and knowledge of their bodies?
• Why is there so much focus on virginity in various societies?

With your colleagues, discuss whether the concept of virginity is useful or dangerous.  Justify your claims.