The social institution of religion has been an essential part of human civilization for thousands of years. It plays a significant role in shaping cultural norms, traditions, and values that affect individuals' attitudes and behavior towards various aspects of life, including sexuality. In Europe, religious beliefs have influenced sexual decisions made by young people since ancient times.
This impact is more visible now than ever before due to increased secularization and globalization. This article will explore how religious norms influence European youth sexual decision-making.
Religious Norms
Religion refers to a set of practices, beliefs, and institutions that guide human interactions with the supernatural world and their peers. Religion shapes an individual's morality, ethics, and attitude towards many things, including sexuality.
Some religions dictate that sex should be reserved solely for marriage between one man and one woman while others are permissive or even encourage sexual exploration outside marriage. These principles affect youth as they navigate through adolescence and emerging adulthood, making choices regarding relationships and sexual activity.
Catholicism
Catholicism is one of the largest Christian denominations globally and influences most parts of Europe. The Catholic Church considers sex to be sacred and meant exclusively for married couples who have agreed to live together in holy matrimony (Nuotio et al., 2019). Thus, it strongly condemns premarital sex and promotes abstinence until marriage. Young Catholics follow these rules out of fear of excommunication, social rejection, and guilt. They also believe in procreative purposes of sex, considering all other forms immoral and sinful.
Islam
Islamic culture has significant influence in Europe, especially in France, Spain, Italy, and Russia. Unlike Catholicism, which allows limited sexual expression outside marriage, Islam views sex as taboo unless done for reproduction (Farrell & Barker, 2013). Muslim youths are expected to avoid all kinds of physical contact before marriage, including kissing and holding hands. While some societies tolerate dating, religious beliefs discourage this practice by associating it with promiscuity and infidelity. As a result, young people struggle with their sexual desires and develop low self-esteem due to guilt and shame.
Hinduism
Hindus make up about 7% of European population. Their religion emphasizes spiritual purity, which they achieve through restraint and sacrifice. This value impacts sexual decisions since many youths choose celibacy over intimacy with partners.
They may engage in romantic relationships but not involve in sexual intercourse or seek alternatives like mutual masturbation (Singh & Chaudhuri, 2018). The concept of 'Brahmacharya' teaches that true love is not based on lust but pure devotion to God and others, leading to abstinence until marriage.
Influence on Youth Sexual Decision-Making
Religious norms affect youth sexual decision-making in different ways. Some followers of Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism view sex as an extension of love and commitment. Others use it merely for pleasure without emotional attachment or regard it as impure and unnatural. These conflicting attitudes create confusion, fear, and anxiety among adolescents who must navigate between cultural pressure, peer influence, and personal desires.
Religious Trauma
Young people raised in strict religious households experience trauma during puberty when their bodies change and urges become intense. They grapple with the conflict between biological and social pressures, leading to feelings of isolation, depression, and even self-harm (Nuotio et al., 2019). Many turn to substance abuse, violence, and risky behavior to cope with these tensions. Religious leaders who preach against sexual expression further exacerbate this problem by stigmatizing non-conformists, which can lead to mental health issues.
Social Impact
The effects of religion on European youth extend beyond individual experiences.
Conservative values promote gender stereotypes where men are expected to be masculine and women submissive. This ideology has led to high rates of domestic violence, rape culture, and sexual assault among young adults who see sex as a means of domination rather than intimacy.
Religious laws limit contraceptives access, forcing many teenagers into unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
Some youths may face discrimination if they identify as LGBTQ+ due to societal beliefs that sexual orientation is not innate but chosen or sinful.
How do religious norms influence sexual decision-making among European youth?
Religious norms have a significant impact on the decision-making process of young people regarding their sexuality. It is no secret that different religions have distinct views on how sex should be treated within society, and some may even go as far as prescribing specific behaviors related to it. This can lead to a range of feelings and beliefs among youth, which ultimately affect their decisions about when they are ready for sex and what kind of partner they want.