How does culture influence sexual attitudes and behaviors?
One of the most important factors shaping our understanding of sex is culture. It's the set of beliefs, values, customs, practices, traditions, and institutions that shape how people think about sex and interact with each other. Different cultures have different ways of approaching sex and relationships, and these differences can be seen all across the world.
In some cultures, sex is taboo and considered a private matter, while in others it's openly discussed and even celebrated. In some places, sex before marriage is frowned upon, while in others it's commonplace. Some cultures value monogamy, while others allow polygamy or polyamory. Some cultures emphasize male dominance and submission, while others promote gender equality. These differences can influence everything from how people talk about sex to what they do in bed.
The media also plays a big role in shaping our attitudes towards sex. Movies, TV shows, music, books, magazines, advertising, and social media all help create expectations around sexuality. They show us how people are supposed to look, act, and feel during sex, and suggest what's normal or desirable. The media often depicts unrealistic images of men and women, which can lead to unhealthy body image issues and misconceptions about sex.
Friends and family members can also play an important role in shaping our views on sex. We may learn from their experiences, as well as by observing how they behave in intimate situations. This can be positive or negative, depending on who we choose to surround ourselves with and how much influence they have over us.
If you grew up with friends who were very promiscuous, you might develop unhealthy attitudes towards sex yourself. On the other hand, if your parents had a healthy relationship, you might adopt similar values for yourself.
It's up to each individual to determine what kind of relationship they want and how they want to express themselves sexually. But understanding the cultural influences that shape these decisions is important in order to make informed choices. By examining the messages we receive from different sources, we can make more conscious choices about our own relationships and break free from unhealthy patterns.
How do external social influences—friends, media, cultural norms—shape relational expectations around sexuality?
The external social influences of friends, media, and cultural norms all play a significant role in shaping an individual's relational expectations around sexuality. Friends can influence one another's views on sex by sharing their experiences, opinions, and beliefs about it. The media shapes society's perception of what is acceptable and desirable when it comes to sexual behavior through movies, TV shows, music, advertisements, and other forms of mass communication.