The concept of conflict has been present since time immemorial. Conflicts arise from different reasons such as misunderstanding, miscommunication, ignorance, lack of communication skills, and so on. When it comes to human beings, their desires are always boundless and sometimes cannot align with the set rules or regulations of society.
Due to these restrictions, some people feel suppressed while others suffer societal stigma.
If one person is having an affair outside marriage, his/her spouse may feel betrayed, but at the same time, they have no right to question the partner's choice as long as there were no legal terms of separation between them. The third party might also face judgment for being involved in a relationship that was not meant to exist. Thus, the culture framework plays a significant role in determining how conflicts emerge between sexual desire, ethical responsibility, and social expectation. To begin with, different cultures have varying views on sexuality, which lead to diverse expectations when it comes to relationships.
Some communities believe that sex should only take place within marriage, whereas others do not consider the institution as essential for intimacy.
Certain religions disapprove of premarital sex, while others promote it. Consequently, individuals will have to deal with various consequences depending on where they come from. As such, this paper focuses on exploring the mediating effects of cultural frameworks on conflicts between sexual desires, ethical responsibilities, and social expectations.
Sexual Desire
Sexual desire is natural and can occur at any age or stage of life. In most cases, people find themselves attracted to other people whom they want to spend quality time with romantically, erotically, or emotionally. When such feelings are reciprocated, they end up in intimate moments that involve physical contact.
People's desires vary, and what one finds appealing might not interest another person. As a result, there are always differences in preferences among partners who must negotiate their needs through open communication. If both parties agree on what they like and dislike, then they can engage in intimacy without fear of rejection or shame.
When the partners disagree, it becomes challenging to express personal likings because of societal stigma and cultural beliefs.
Many communities view homosexuality as unnatural and punishable by law, hence putting pressure on those who practice such acts. Conversely, others discourage extra-marital affairs, which force cheaters to hide their actions, leading to secrecy and mistrust. Therefore, cultural frameworks act as obstacles for people to freely express their desires unless permitted under the set rules.
Ethical Responsibility
Ethics are standards of conduct that guide individuals on how to behave towards each other. They define morality and determine right from wrong based on society's norms and values. Thus, every person should follow them even if they differ from their beliefs.
Some cultures view adultery as immoral and a betrayal of trust between spouses. In this case, people may find themselves stuck in situations where they desire someone else but cannot pursue them due to fear of judgment. On the other hand, others believe in polygamy, whereby men can have more than one wife simultaneously. These practices may be considered ethically correct based on religious teachings, but socially condemned. As such, one has to balance between conflicting desires and expectations to live peacefully with oneself and fellow humans. Hence, cultural frameworks mediate conflicts related to sexual pleasure, responsibility, and social expectation.
Social Expectation
Social expectations revolve around what is acceptable or not acceptable within a specific community or group. They often derive from culture and religion, which dictates behaviors expected from members. People who fail to abide by these principles are subjected to consequences ranging from fines to death. When it comes to sex, most societies consider marriage as the only legitimate form of intimacy that should lead to childbearing. Others allow premarital sex if the partners are committed to each other and ready for parenthood.
Some communities permit public display of affection while others frown upon it. Therefore, people must conform to these rules to avoid being ostracized or punished. As a result, there is always a conflict between individual desires and social expectations because everyone wants to satisfy their needs without breaking any law.
When two individuals meet at work, fall in love, and start dating, their boss may feel threatened and force them to separate lest they lose their job. In this case, the need to please the supervisor takes precedence over personal satisfaction. Thus, the cultural framework mediates the relationship between sexual desire, ethical responsibility, and social expectation.
How do cultural frameworks mediate conflicts between sexual desire, ethical responsibility, and social expectation?
Cultural frameworks play a significant role in determining an individual's sexual desires, sense of ethical responsibility, and social expectations, thus influencing their perception and response to conflicts arising from these factors. Cultural norms, values, beliefs, and practices shape individuals' attitudes towards sex, morality, and relationships.