Saudi Arabia is known for its strict adherence to Islamic law, which dictates many aspects of daily life, including dress code, behavior, and public spaces. This religious conservatism has shaped how young adults view their morals, erotic desires, and relationships. In this essay, I will explore how religious orthodoxy impacts young Saudis' internalized moral reasoning, erotic desires, and relational attachments.
Religious orthodoxy shapes young Saudis' internalized moral reasoning. The Quran and Hadith guide many aspects of Saudi culture, including what is considered appropriate and permissible behavior.
Premarital sex is strictly forbidden, and women are expected to cover themselves from head to toe in public. These rules shape young people's understanding of right and wrong, creating a sense of shame around certain behaviors that contradict these values. As a result, many young people internalize these values, believing they must follow them to be good Muslims.
Religious orthodoxy also affects young Saudis' erotic desire. The sexuality of Islam is often seen as taboo or even sinful, leading many young people to repress their natural urges. This can lead to feelings of guilt and anxiety when engaging in intimate moments with their partners.
The lack of education about sexual health means that many young people do not know how to safely navigate their sexual needs. This can create tension within relationships, as one partner may want more physical intimacy than the other.
Religious orthodoxy influences young Saudis' relational attachment. Many young people believe that marriage is the only acceptable way to express love and intimacy. They view it as the ultimate goal of romantic relationships, which can cause problems if they struggle to find suitable partners.
Gender roles play a significant role in marriages, with men expected to provide for their families while women care for children and maintain the home. This dynamic can lead to power imbalances and strain on relationships.
Religious orthodoxy plays an important role in shaping young Saudi adults' moral reasoning, erotic desires, and relational attachments. By understanding this, we can better understand why some young Saudis struggle to navigate the complexities of modern relationships.
How does Saudi Arabia's religious orthodoxy shape internalized moral reasoning, erotic desire, and relational attachment in young adults?
The religious orthodoxy of Saudi Arabia shapes young adults' internalized moral reasoning by instilling conservative values and norms that emphasize conformity to traditional beliefs and practices. The religious doctrine also promotes sexual purity and abstinence, which can lead to repressed erotic desires and limited exploration of sexuality.