The word "sex" has been used to describe an act, an activity, a phenomenon, and even a verb. Sexuality is related to physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of human behavior and attitudes. Cultural narratives are stories that inform how people think about sexuality, sex, gender roles, and relationships. These narratives are often transmitted through various media, including film, television, books, magazines, music, and social media. They can be positive or negative, conservative or liberal, traditional or progressive, but they influence how individuals view themselves and their partners. This study examines the effects of cultural narratives on marital satisfaction and dissatisfaction.
Marriage is a legal and social contract between two consenting adults who commit to each other for life. It requires mutual respect, love, trust, and fidelity. Marriages can be arranged, casual, romantic, or religious. There are no universal standards for what constitutes a good marriage, but it involves intimacy, companionship, support, and companionship. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy defines it as "a lifelong, exclusive, interdependent relationship between husband and wife."
Many cultures place importance on pre-marital abstinence, virginity, chastity, and purity. Some religions forbid pre-marital sex, while others allow it under certain conditions. In modern Western culture, many people consider pre-marital sex normal, but some still believe in its dangers or consequences. Pre-marital sex may cause health problems, such as STDs, unwanted pregnancy, guilt, shame, fear, regret, and emotional trauma. Many couples do not discuss their past experiences before getting married, which leads to misunderstandings and resentment later on.
In some cultures, men have greater power over women's sexuality than women. Men may pressure women into having sex before marriage to prove their masculinity or show dominance. Women may feel coerced or pressured into engaging in unwanted behavior because they want to please their partners or avoid rejection. Men may view pre-marital sex as a rite of passage or a way to test compatibility with their future spouses. They may expect their partners to be sexually experienced and knowledgeable about all aspects of sexual activity.
How do cultural narratives of pre-marital sexuality influence patterns of marital satisfaction or dissatisfaction?
Cultural narratives of pre-marital sexuality can play an important role in shaping marriage culture. Studies have shown that people who engage in more pre-marital sex tend to be less satisfied with their marriages (Harris & Floyd, 2015). This is likely because they may feel less guilt or shame about having had sex outside of marriage, leading them to experience fewer negative consequences for their actions.