Political ideology has often been discussed in relation to many aspects of human life, including personal relationships.
The connection between politics and sexuality is still under-researched. In this essay, I will explore how political ideologies influence people's erotic desires, attractions, and partner choices.
It is essential to understand that political ideology refers to an individual's belief system regarding society's structure, values, and norms. Political ideology can be divided into various categories such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, communism, capitalism, fascism, and more. Each political ideology has its unique set of principles, beliefs, and views about what constitutes good governance and how individuals should interact with one another. These belief systems also extend to other areas of life, including sex and intimacy.
There is a well-established link between political ideology and erotic desire. Studies have found that politically conservative people tend to be more attracted to traditional gender roles, while liberals are drawn to non-conforming genders.
Studies suggest that right-wingers find masculine physical attributes such as height and muscularity more attractive than leftists who prefer curvy bodies.
Research shows that political orientation affects sexual attraction even when body type and facial features are controlled for. This suggests that there may be an underlying psychological mechanism connecting political ideology and erotic desire.
Political ideology also impacts which partners people choose. Research suggests that liberals are more likely to date within their party and less likely to marry outside of it. Conservatives, on the other hand, are less likely to marry within their party but more open to interparty relationships. This finding aligns with the idea that political ideology influences partner selection based on shared interests and beliefs. In short, political ideologies shape not only our desires but also whom we choose to share them with.
Political ideology plays a significant role in shaping our sexual lives, from what we find physically attractive to who we select as romantic partners. Understanding this connection can help us better understand ourselves and others, leading to healthier and happier relationships.
How does political ideology shape erotic desire, attraction, and partner selection?
Erotic desire, attraction, and partner selection are influenced by various factors that include cultural, social, personal, and biological factors (Kruger & Szanto, 2016; Sagarin, 2017). These variables may vary across individuals due to differences in their experiences with family dynamics, religious beliefs, upbringing, education, life goals, and worldviews. Political ideology is one of these variables that affects these processes.