In most situations, people's actions are guided by their sense of right and wrong and social norms.
There are times when these factors may not always be aligned. This is especially true when an individual's desires come into conflict with their relational or societal expectations, creating what is known as an ethical dilemma. An ethical dilemma occurs when an individual must choose between multiple options that all seem morally acceptable but have different consequences for themselves or others.
Imagine you are a doctor who has the opportunity to provide an experimental drug to your friend or family member, which could potentially cure them of a terminal illness.
This drug has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and has serious side effects. Giving your loved one the drug could save their life, but it could also endanger other patients who receive the same treatment without knowing about the risks. In this case, you would need to decide whether to prioritize your personal desire to help someone you care about or follow the expected protocol for patient safety.
This type of dilemma is common in relationships, particularly those involving sex, sexuality, intimacy, and romance. Individuals often struggle with balancing their own needs and wants with the expectations placed upon them by society, partners, and cultural norms. One example of this is the pressure many men feel to suppress emotions such as vulnerability or sadness in order to appear tough and masculine. While this behavior might align with societal expectations of masculinity, it can lead to unhealthy levels of repression and bottled-up feelings, leading to more significant problems down the road. Another example is the expectation that women should always be available for their partner's needs, including sexual ones. This may create an ethical dilemma for women, as they may want to express their desires and interests within the relationship but feel pressured to put their partner first.
LGBTQ+ individuals may face challenges navigating their identity in public spaces due to societal expectations.
Some people may have a strong desire to express their gender identity openly, but fear discrimination or violence from others. In addition, polyamorous individuals may experience guilt over being involved with multiple partners while living in monogamy-oriented cultures. These are just a few examples of how ethical dilemmas arise when relational or social expectations conflict with personal desires.
When faced with these types of situations, individuals must take several factors into consideration before making a decision. They need to consider the potential consequences of each option, weighing the pros and cons of both. They also need to evaluate whether there are any alternatives available that could satisfy both parties' needs.
The goal is to find a solution that aligns with one's values and beliefs while maintaining respect for those around them. By doing so, individuals can navigate the complexities of relationships and society while remaining true to themselves.
How do ethical dilemmas arise when personal desires conflict with relational or societal expectations?
An ethical dilemma arises when an individual's personal desires conflict with relational or societal expectations. This can occur when an individual is faced with a decision that goes against their moral beliefs or values, such as cheating on a partner or lying to cover up a mistake at work. The pressure of maintaining relationships and meeting societal expectations can lead individuals to make choices they would not normally make, creating a sense of internal conflict and distress.