Sexual expectations are the beliefs that people have about how they should behave when it comes to sex and sexual activity. They can be influenced by many factors such as culture, society, upbringing, education, personal experiences, and more. Religion is one factor that has a significant impact on sexual expectations, particularly for women. This is because most religions have strict rules and guidelines regarding sexual behavior. These rules and guidelines often dictate what is considered appropriate behavior between men and women, as well as how men and women should interact during courtship, marriage, and other stages of their relationship.
Religion can influence internalized gendered sexual expectations in several ways. Firstly, religion can impose restrictions on the types of relationships that are acceptable.
Some religions may forbid premarital sex or extramarital affairs. This means that individuals from these religions may feel pressured to conform to these restrictions, even if they do not necessarily want to.
Some religions may also place restrictions on who you can marry based on your religious affiliation. This can lead to feelings of being limited in terms of choice and autonomy in relation to whom you choose to be intimate with.
Religion can also influence the way that individuals view sex itself. Some religions teach that sex is sinful outside of marriage, while others teach that sex is reserved only for procreative purposes. This can lead to negative attitudes towards sex and shame surrounding any kind of non-procreative sexual act. As a result, individuals from these religions may feel ashamed of their own desires and find it difficult to express them openly. They may also struggle with feeling like they need to hide their sexuality or avoid exploring it altogether.
Religion can influence the role that each partner plays within a relationship.
Some religions may emphasize traditional roles where the man is the dominant one and the woman is submissive. These religious beliefs can create an expectation that men must always initiate sex and that women should never refuse it. This can lead to feelings of pressure and guilt for both partners if they don't fit into these roles perfectly.
Religion can influence how individuals approach intimacy. Some religions believe that physical contact between unmarried people is wrong, which can lead to difficulties forming close relationships. This can make it hard for individuals to explore their sexuality without fear of judgement or punishment. It can also lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness as they try to navigate their desire for closeness and intimacy.
Religion can impact how individuals view themselves and their bodies. Many religions place restrictions on what types of clothing are appropriate, how much skin should be shown, and even how hair should be styled. These rules can create feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, leading to body dysmorphia or other issues.
Some religions teach that only certain parts of the body are "sexy," which can contribute to negative attitudes towards certain aspects of your own body.
Religion has a significant effect on internalized gendered sexual expectations due to its strict rules regarding acceptable behavior, restrictive views on non-procreative sex, traditional gender roles, lack of social support for exploring sexuality, and regulations around personal appearance. While these factors may not directly control someone's desires, they can certainly affect how comfortable individuals feel expressing them openly and safely. Understanding this connection between religion and sexual expectations can help individuals better understand themselves and their relationships with others.