1
Study Guide G07 ~ Life Orientation
Unit
1.2
Lesson 2: Changes in boys and girls: puberty and gender awareness (gender conception) (3 hours)
1.2.1
Physical and emotional changes
Adolescence is marked by emotional and physical changes. These changes play an important role in the forming of your self-image and self-knowledge. Sexuality is the way you see yourselves as boys and girls. It is not the same as sex. Sexuality is about the following aspects: 1. How we see ourselves and how we feel and think about our bodies. It follows on with Lesson 1 where we told you how important self-respect is. You can only respect your own body if you see it in a positive light. You may have freckles or big ears and don’t like them. It is important to look past these things and recognise all your positive aspects, for example your beautiful eyes. You will then respect others easier if you have self-respect and self-love. 2. Puberty causes us to think otherwise about the opposite sex. We get sexual feelings and thoughts and fall in love easily. 3. The awareness of our sexuality influences how we will act and even has an influence on your clothing and choice of music! 4. Sexuality is also about our values and norms regarding love and the friendships we have. 5. It also directs us to whom we are attracted to. Puberty therefore brings all these changes and makes us intensely aware of the different sexes. There are various factors that can influence your sexuality. 1.
Your parents/family This forms the basis of your sexuality. It is here where you learn what roles the different sexes play in the family and society. Your parents form your values and norms regarding sexuality.
2.
Your friends and peers Your friends don’t always have the same view about sex as your parents and this can sometimes lead to a conflict in your value system. This can make you feel confused.
3.
Your culture and race group Certain cultures and races have certain prescriptions regarding sexuality and the different genders’ acts. The prescriptions can influence your sexuality in a huge way. In certain cultures boys and girls may not be left alone at all. They are even divided during social functions.
© Optimi
14
