From sexual identity to sexual relationships: a contextual shift

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Sexual identity discourse occurs within historical, bisexual, homosexual, and biological contexts.
• Sexual identity is conceptualized biologically, psychologically, and socio-culturally.
• Biological sex is a foundational element in defining sexual identity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze problems in current sexual identity discourse, including uncritical concept use and methodological misapplications.
• To propose a shift in focus from individuals to sexual relationships for a more comprehensive understanding.
• To identify conceptual, methodological, and moral advantages of this redirected focus.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of existing frameworks for sexual identity.
• Critique of popular concepts, moral judgments, and scientific method application.
• Proposal for a new research paradigm centered on sexual relationships.

Main Results:

• Identified limitations in current approaches to sexual identity.
• Highlighted the benefits of examining mutual associations over isolated individuals.
• Advocated for integrating psychoanalytic and symbolic interactionist perspectives.

Conclusions:

• Redirecting discourse to sexual relationships offers conceptual and methodological advantages.
• This shift allows for a richer understanding of sexual identity by considering social and psychological meanings.
• A focus on relationships supports a morality of individual choice over imposed obligations.