Relational Power Structures and Sexual Decision Making
The world is full of different types of relationships between people. Some are romantic, others platonic, some professional, and still others familial. While there can be many different factors that go into forming these relationships, one of the most influential is power dynamics. When it comes to sexual decision making, power plays an important role in how individuals express their emotional needs. In this article, I will discuss why relational power structures influence sexual decision making and the expression of emotional needs.
Let's define what relational power means in terms of human interactions. Relational power refers to a person's ability to exert control over another individual through interpersonal communication and behavior. This can include physical force, verbal threats, manipulation, or other forms of coercion.
If one partner has greater financial resources than the other in a relationship, they may feel more confident in making decisions about where to go on vacation or how much money to spend without consulting their partner.
If one partner holds more social status than the other, they may make decisions related to activities or groups of friends without considering the feelings of their partner. These examples show that relational power structures can have profound effects on how we interact with each other sexually and emotionally.
Let's explore how relational power structures affect sexual decision-making. Research suggests that when people experience higher levels of relational power within a relationship, they tend to engage in riskier sexual behaviors (Fisher & Uchino 2008). This could involve being less cautious about STIs/STDs or not using protection during sexual encounters. On the other hand, those who experience lower levels of relational power are more likely to be conservative in their sexual practices and less likely to take risks. This could mean delaying sexual activity until marriage or only having sex within committed relationships. It is important to note that this does not imply that those with high relational power always engage in dangerous sexual behaviors or that those with low relational power never do; instead, it simply shows that there is a correlation between these two factors.
I will discuss how relational power structures impact emotional needs expression. When individuals experience power imbalances within their relationships, they may find it difficult to express themselves authentically and openly because they fear repercussions from their partner.
Someone in an abusive relationship may feel hesitant to share their true feelings for fear of retribution. In contrast, those who experience equitable power dynamics may feel freer to communicate their desires and needs without fear of judgment or punishment. This dynamic has been shown to play out differently across genders as well; women are often socialized to suppress their own wants and needs in favor of meeting the expectations of male partners, leading them to internalize negative messages about assertiveness and self-expression (Brownmiller 1975).
Relational power structures can have significant effects on our ability to communicate honestly and intimately with our partners, which affects all aspects of our relationships - including sexuality.
Relational power structures greatly influence both sexual decision making and the expression of emotional needs. By understanding how power operates within our relationships, we can begin to identify ways in which we can create more egalitarian interactions that allow us to be authentic and vulnerable with one another.
How do relational power structures influence sexual decision-making and the expression of emotional needs?
While each individual's decisions regarding their sexuality are unique and complex, it is widely recognized that social and cultural factors can play a significant role in shaping these decisions. Relational power structures, such as those based on gender, age, race, and socioeconomic status, can have profound effects on how individuals negotiate and express their emotional needs within romantic relationships.