The impact of religion on sexual expression, intimate relationships, and identity development is well established.
Little research has been done to examine how these factors intersect with disability. To answer this question, I will review relevant literature on the relationship between religious beliefs and practices and sexual behavior, explore how religions shape attitudes towards romantic partnerships and identity construction, and highlight specific examples from my own experience. This may be useful for scholars, therapists, clergy, parents, educators, and individuals who want to understand more about this important issue.
Religious Beliefs and Sexual Expression
Religion can influence sexual behavior in many ways.
Some faith traditions view certain types of physical contact as sinful, while others encourage them under certain circumstances. Some faith communities emphasize celibacy until marriage, while others promote premarital abstinence.
Religions often have strict rules regarding partner selection based on gender, race, social class, or other characteristics. In general, people with disabilities are less likely to engage in casual sex than those without disabilities. They also tend to wait longer before having their first sexual experience, report fewer sexual partners, and have lower rates of premarital intercourse. These differences may stem from cultural beliefs that prioritize virginity and fidelity within marriage.
Religious Attitudes Toward Relationships
Many religions teach that men and women should marry and create a family. The Bible states that it is better to marry than burn with passion (1 Corinthians 7:9). Islamic law allows polygamy, but most Muslims do not practice it due to its prohibitive economic costs. Judaism has a rich history of matchmaking customs, including the mitzvah of honoring one's spouse. Christianity encourages mutual submission between husband and wife, and Hinduism views marriage as a sacred bond. As a result, people with disabilities are often pressured by their religion to find suitable partners and establish families. This can be difficult for those who face discrimination in dating and marriage markets.
Religious Identity Formation
Religion plays an important role in shaping our sense of self-identity.
Some people use religious texts to construct their own identity narratives. Others adopt a more communal approach to faith, emphasizing the group rather than individual relationship with God. Still others focus on rituals and practices like prayer or fasting. People with disabilities may face additional challenges in this area because they are frequently marginalized and excluded from mainstream society. They must negotiate conflicting identities related to disability, race, gender, class, ethnicity, and religion.
How does religiosity influence sexual expression, relational intimacy, and identity formation for people with disabilities?
Religiosity can influence an individual's sexual expression, relational intimacy, and identity formation by shaping their belief systems, values, and attitudes towards sex and relationships. For individuals with disabilities, these factors can have additional complexities that are often rooted in stigma and marginalization within religious communities.