How religious framings of marital sex as a duty can contribute to underreporting and internalization of sexual coercion is an important question that has been researched extensively. In this article, I will examine how religion shapes gender roles and expectations around marriage, how these affect women's experience of sexuality within their marriages, and how it contributes to underreporting and internalization of sexual coercion.
Let us consider the role of religion in shaping gender norms and expectations around marriage. Many religions view marriage as a sacred institution between man and woman, and teach that a husband should have authority over his wife. This creates a power dynamic wherein the husband has more control over the decision-making process, including when and how often sex occurs. As a result, wives may feel pressure to fulfill their husband's sexual desires even if they are not comfortable doing so, leading to situations of sexual coercion.
Let us explore how these gender roles and expectations can lead to underreporting of sexual abuse. When victims of sexual assault or harassment do report their experiences, they are often met with skepticism, disbelief, or victim-blaming. Women who come forward about being forced into sexual acts by their husbands may face similar responses, as their experiences conflict with traditional ideas about married life. In addition, many women who experience sexual violence may feel ashamed or guilty, which can prevent them from seeking help or reporting the incident. Religious framings of sex as a "duty" reinforce this shame and guilt, making it harder for victims to seek support.
We must consider how religious framings contribute to the internalization of sexual coercion. By internalizing messages about their bodies being the property of their husbands and their duty to fulfill their husbands' sexual needs, some women may begin to believe that they have no right to refuse sex. They may also be less likely to speak out against unwanted advances or behaviors, fearing that doing so will damage their marriages or harm their reputations in their communities.
This can lead to long-term psychological and emotional effects, such as depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem.
The framing of marriage as a religious obligation that requires sexual submission can create a culture where sexual coercion is normalized and goes unnoticed. This is particularly damaging for women, who already face societal pressures around their bodies and sexuality. We need to challenge these beliefs and provide support to those who have experienced abuse within marriage.
How does religious framing of marital sex as a duty contribute to underreporting and internalization of sexual coercion?
The conceptualization of marriage as an institution mandating sexual activity as a moral obligation has been linked with the underreporting of sexual assault incidents due to its inherent power dynamic that perpetuates victim blaming and the stigma surrounding sexual violence.