Sexual Expression is an essential part of human life that can be shaped and influenced by several factors such as culture, religion, socialization, beliefs, etc. In this article, I will explain how cultural norms play a significant role in shaping sexual expression among people around the world. To begin with, let's define what cultural norms are. They refer to the shared values, traditions, customs, habits, beliefs, and expectations of a particular group within society. These norms have existed for generations and guide individuals on how they should behave socially, religiously, politically, morally, and economically. The way these norms shape sexual behavior varies across different cultures.
Some cultures have strict rules about premarital sex while others encourage it. Some cultures emphasize monogamy while others promote polygamy. Some cultures allow nudity while others see it as taboo. Sexual expression includes kissing, touching, masturbation, oral sex, anal sex, vaginal intercourse, foreplay, and many other activities. Each culture has its unique set of norms regarding each type of sexual activity. The United States of America, for example, is known for being liberal when it comes to sexual expression compared to other countries like Saudi Arabia.
Even within the USA, there are distinct differences between states like California and Utah regarding sexuality. Therefore, how cultural norms impact sexual expression is evident from the above examples.
Sexual Expression: Culture vs Individuality
In terms of sexual expression, every individual has their personal preferences that may differ from the general community standard. Cultural norms can influence an individual's decision-making process in choosing a partner, the frequency of having sex, and where to have sex. One's personality, upbringing, experiences, education, etc., can also influence one's sexual decisions.
A woman raised in a conservative family background might be hesitant to engage in casual sex because she feels guilty. She might also limit her romantic partnerships to same-sex relationships due to religious reasons. In contrast, someone who grew up in a more open household could feel comfortable with dating multiple partners at once without feeling guilty about breaking cultural rules.
How Cultural Norms Shape Sexual Expression
Cultural norms shape sexual expressions by instilling specific beliefs into individuals. These beliefs influence how people view and practice sexual acts. Let me explain further; suppose you were born and raised in India. In this case, you would grow up believing that premarital sex is taboo, while marriages are arranged by parents or elders in the family. You may believe marriage is essential since it is the only way to have sex legally. You might also think that sex should happen only after getting married and producing children. It means your sexual expression will be limited to kissing, touching, masturbation, and foreplay.
Let us assume you move abroad for study purposes and stay longer than expected. Your worldview changes as you get exposed to different cultures. Therefore, you decide to have a girlfriend or boyfriend outside your culture and start experimenting with various sexual activities. This is an example of how cultural norms shape sexual expression.
Impact of Culture on Sexual Behavior
Culture impacts sexual behavior in many ways.
Some cultures encourage polygamy or even child marriage. They also see nothing wrong with incest, rape, and other deviant sexual behaviors. It explains why some countries have high rates of sexual assault cases. The media influences these actions by portraying sexuality and nudity as something glamorous. A significant number of youths emulate what they watch on TV or social media, leading to unethical relationships and sexual encounters. On the other hand, there are cultures where homosexuality is a crime and punishable by law. These societies view such sexual acts as abominations from God hence discouraged at all costs. Individuals born into this kind of society might be afraid to express their sexual orientation out of fear of being ostracized, jailed, or killed.
Cultural norms heavily influence sexual expression among people around the world. While it's true that individuals can make choices, their decision-making process is mostly influenced by the culture they grew up in. As such, sexual freedom and individuality should not override cultural norms but coexist harmoniously.
How do cultural norms shape sexual expression?
Cultural norms play an important role in shaping sexual expression by influencing individual attitudes, beliefs, values, and behaviors related to sex and intimacy. These norms can vary widely across different cultures and societies, impacting how individuals perceive, experience, and practice sexuality in their daily lives.