Cultural expectations have been known to play a major role in shaping human behaviors and interactions. These include societal norms that influence how people communicate and relate with each other, including their sexual expressions. Some cultures have strict rules that govern sexual activity while others are more lenient or liberal about it.
All these rules and expectations seem to have an impact on how freely people can express themselves sexually. This paper will explain how cultural expectations suppress open sexual expression. It is divided into four main sections. Section one discusses why some cultures impose restrictions on sexual behavior. The second section explains the reasons for suppressing sexual expression, followed by what the consequences could be.
The fourth section concludes this essay.
Why do some cultures impose restrictions?
Some cultures frown upon free sexual expression due to religious beliefs or traditions. Religion has been known to heavily influence how people view life, and this includes sex.
Muslim women in certain Arab countries are expected to wear hijabs to cover up their bodies as a sign of modesty. They may also not touch men who are not related to them. In contrast, Christianity preaches celibacy until marriage. Some communities believe that sex should happen within marriage, especially heterosexual relationships. This means that homosexuals and unmarried couples cannot have sex unless they get married.
Other cultures may simply prohibit sexual activities because their culture views them as shameful, sinful, taboo, immoral, or dirty. Thus, they want everyone to follow these rules even if they disagree with them. Even when people feel like having casual sex, they avoid doing so out of fear of being punished for breaking cultural norms.
African societies consider promiscuous behavior a shameful act. That's why many young people shy away from it despite being curious about it.
How does this affect society?
Suppressed sexual expressions affect both individuals and society at large. Sexually repressed individuals may suffer psychologically as they fail to express themselves freely. Most people find satisfaction in intimacy, and denying them that pleasure can make them depressed or anxious. It could lead to health complications such as hypertension, heart diseases, migraines, and chronic pain. On the other hand, society experiences several problems due to suppressed expression.
Most women experience sexual frustration that leads to emotional stress, low self-esteem, and difficulty trusting partners.
Some men face challenges due to limited options for satisfying sexual needs. They may cheat on their wives or engage in risky behaviors such as visiting brothels. Others may be forced into gay sex which is also against cultural expectations. All these actions increase the prevalence of STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
Cultures should allow free sexual expression as long as no one gets hurt or harmed. Such an approach would reduce sexual frustrations, which could improve mental wellbeing. The only way to address these issues is through education and awareness campaigns targeting communities where cultural expectations limit open sexual expressions.
How do cultural expectations suppress open sexual expression?
Social norms play an important role in shaping people's behavior and attitudes towards sexuality. In some cultures, there are strict social rules that regulate what kind of sexual conduct is acceptable and which types of relationships are desirable. These norms can be very powerful and may create a sense of shame, guilt, or embarrassment when it comes to expressing one's sexuality.