Religious socialization is the process through which children and adolescents learn about religion from their families, peers, and communities. It involves learning beliefs, values, attitudes, norms, rituals, practices, and behaviors related to religion, which can have a significant impact on an individual's identity, worldview, and behavior. One aspect of religious socialization that has received increasing attention is its role in shaping unconscious sexual scripts, fantasies, and long-term relational expectations. In this essay, I will explore how religious socialization can influence these aspects of sexual development.
Religious teachings often contain explicit or implicit messages about appropriate sexual behavior. These messages may include strict prohibitions against premarital sex, homosexuality, masturbation, pornography, and other forms of non-procreative sexual activity. Religions also typically promote monogamy and fidelity within marriage and discourage extramarital relationships. This socialization can shape individuals' subconscious perceptions of what is considered "normal" or "healthy" sexual behavior, leading them to feel shame, guilt, or fear around certain types of desire or pleasure.
Research suggests that conservative Christian men who grew up in highly gender-traditional households are more likely to experience cognitive dissonance when they engage in masturbation because it contradicts their religious teachings.
Religious socialization can shape individuals' sexual fantasies and desires. Some religions place great emphasis on purity and chastity, promoting the idea that individuals should wait until marriage for sexual intimacy. Others, such as some branches of Islam, view sexual pleasure as sinful outside of procreative purposes. These beliefs can lead to a sense of guilt or shame around sexual pleasure and a limited range of acceptable fantasies.
Some religions emphasize the importance of male dominance and female submission, which can create unrealistic expectations of romantic relationships. Studies have found that women raised in ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities are less likely to report enjoying sexual activity due to these cultural norms.
Religious socialization can influence long-term relational expectations by shaping individuals' attitudes towards marriage and commitment. Many religions encourage marriage as the ideal form of relationship and may stigmatize nonmarital cohabitation or divorce. This socialization can create pressure to marry young and to remain in unhappy marriages rather than pursue other options. Religious teachings about gender roles can also contribute to sexism and abuse within relationships.
Research shows that women from fundamentalist Christian backgrounds are more likely to believe that violence against women is justified if she violates traditional gender norms.
Religious socialization plays an important role in shaping individuals' sexual scripts, fantasies, and long-term relational expectations. While these messages can be positive in some cases, they can also promote harmful beliefs and behaviors. It is essential to examine how our religious upbringing affects our understanding of sex and intimacy and challenge any negative ideas or practices that perpetuate inequality or harm.
How does religious socialization shape unconscious sexual scripts, fantasies, and long-term relational expectations?
Religious socialization has been found to play an important role in shaping individuals' unconscious sexual scripts, fantasies, and long-term relational expectations (Tan, 2018). It is important to note that different religions may have varying beliefs regarding sex and relationships, which can influence how individuals view these topics subconsciously.