Question

PART I - In the chapter on sexual behavior, we learned that different cultures and countries view sexual orientation in various ways. For example, in some places, sexual orientation is viewed as a learned behavior that people have a choice over, and individuals are ostracized if their orientation or behavior is not the same as the majority’s behavior. In other areas, sexual orientation is considered a biological matter, implying that choice is not part of it. In other locations, sexual orientation is considered a mixture of biology and environment, where both influences are present.

Please remember your readings on genetics and epigenetics, or any related studies or concepts as you answer the following.

Do you believe that it is ethical for agencies, institutions, or organizations to try to change people’s sexual orientation through means of punishment or suppression? Why? In what ways have institutions and organizations done this? Give examples.

Do you believe sexual orientation is an issue that we, as a society, should be involved in? Assuming that there is no abuse (e.g., child abuse, animal abuse, rape and violence, etc.) present in your bedroom, would you want society to tell you the gender of the person that you are allowed to have sex with? Why or why not?

PART II - Reflect upon late adulthood. How do people in your country or culture generally view the process of getting older? You may include your thoughts on values, beliefs, expectations, and cultural practices surrounding late adulthood. Relate your answers to lifespan theories and to death and dying.
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Please cite any sources if applicable.

It is critical to remember that this is an intellectual discussion and your peers may have different points of view and experiences; therefore, be sensitive and respectful to your peers’ comments. This discussion is about learning with our peers, so keep in mind the open-minded and multi-perspective aim of this discussion.

Answer 1

Part 1:

Let me start with what is sexual orientation? There are many definitions do define it but the zest of all can be concluded as: sexual orientation is an enduring emotional, romantic, sexual or affectional attraction to another person. It can be distinguished from other aspects of sexuality including biological sex, gender identity (the psychological sense of being male or female) and the social gender role (adherence to cultural norms for feminine and masculine behaviour).

I don’t think its ethical to judge or punish any human being for their choices, each individual has the right to choose what is right or wrong, influencing it by means of punishment or suppression is violation of individual human rights. A person is made by his/her decisions which he take through his/her life, it makes them who they are, and influencing them with fear of society is like taking away their identity (suppressing them of who they are).

Various countries have extreme punishment on this situation some of the punishment for having different sexual orientation against society are described below:     

1. Yemen: According to the 1994 penal code, married men can be sentenced to death by stoning for homosexual intercourse. Unmarried men face whipping or one year in prison. Women face up to seven years in prison.
2. Iran: In accordance with sharia law, homosexual intercourse between men can be punished by death, and men can be flogged for lesser acts such as kissing. Women may be flogged.
3. Nigeria: Federal law classifies homosexual behaviour as a felony punishable by imprisonment, but several states have adopted sharia law and imposed a death penalty for men. A law signed in early January 2016 makes it illegal for homosexual people countrywide to hold a meeting or form clubs.
4. Saudi Arabia: Under the country’s interpretation of sharia law, a married man engaging in sodomy or any non-Muslim who commits sodomy with a Muslim can be stoned to death. All sex outside of marriage is illegal.

People may have different view on whether sexual orientation is an issue that we, as a society, should be involved in or not. On one hand there are people who want to keep their private life private and does not want anyone to peek into his/her business. On the other hand there are people who indirectly involves society in their private life by using social media, for example we all have must seen post captioned “couples goals” on various social media pages and sometimes people do post these kind of pictures this is nothing but giving a way, an access window to society of your private life. So it’s a matter of perspective in my opinion.

Part 2:

With the descent of the joint family concept, with more and more seniors remaining active for much longer and preferring to be close to their own lifelong friends and communities, and with more children leading increasingly hectic lives where both spouses earn and with no experience of caring for an elderly person, there is a gradual erosion of the tradition of family support in India. Ageing in India is exponentially increasing due to the impressive gains that society has made in terms of increased life expectancy. With the rise in elderly population, the demand for holistic care tends to grow.

Lack of Infrastructure: With increasing longevity and debilitating chronic diseases, many elder citizens will need better access to physical infrastructure in the coming years. Lack of physical infrastructure is a major deterrent to providing comfort to the aged.

Changing Family Structure: The traditional Indian society with an age-old joint family system has been instrumental in safeguarding the social and economic security of the elderly people. The traditional norms and values of Indian society also laid stress on showing respect and providing care for the elderly. However with the emerging prevalence of nuclear family set-ups in recent years, the elderly are likely to be exposed to emotional, physical and financial insecurity.

It all boil down to the upbringing, care and love you share for your parents. If an individual wants he/she can bring joy to their elderly parents or leave them with tears of sorrow.