Religious socialization is a process through which individuals learn about their religion's beliefs, practices, rituals, values, norms, and rules from family members, friends, institutions, and communities. It typically begins in childhood and continues throughout life, shaping people's attitudes, behaviors, and identities. This paper will explore how this socialization impacts individuals' views on sexual deviance and morality, drawing on research studies from various religious traditions.
Religious Socialization and Perceptions of Sexual Deviance
Studies have found that religious socialization influences perceptions of what constitutes appropriate or acceptable sexual behavior.
A survey of Catholics revealed that those who were more exposed to Catholic teachings regarding chastity and purity as children had higher expectations for premarital abstinence than those who received less exposure. Similarly, a study of Muslim adolescents found that those who attended Islamic schools reported greater disapproval of premarital sex than their peers who did not attend such schools. These findings suggest that religious socialization shapes attitudes towards sexual morality, including those related to sexual deviance.
The Influence of Religious Values and Norms on Moral Judgment
Religious socialization also shapes moral judgments related to sexual behavior. A study of Mormons found that those with strong exposure to church teachings on modesty (i.e., covering one's body) viewed sexual immorality more negatively than those with weaker exposure. Another study of Orthodox Jews found that participants who held stronger beliefs in the importance of Jewish law (halacha) judged pornography consumption more harshly than those who placed less emphasis on halacha. Taken together, these studies demonstrate how religious values can influence individuals' perceptions of sexual behavior as either virtuous or sinful.
Gender Roles and Sexual Behavior
Many religions prescribe specific gender roles and behaviors, which may affect how individuals perceive sexual deviance within their own gender group. Research has found that male and female adherents of Christianity differed in their views on masturbation and premarital sex based on traditional gender roles.
Women who were more traditional in their views tended to view masturbation as more shameful than men, while men who were more traditional tended to regard premarital sex as more acceptable than women. This suggests that religious socialization can shape expectations for appropriate sexual behavior based on gender.
Religious socialization plays a significant role in shaping individuals' attitudes towards sexual morality and deviance. It influences what is considered acceptable sexual behavior, how such behavior is judged, and how it relates to traditional gender roles. Understanding this process can help us better understand why some people hold certain moral beliefs regarding sexuality and how they apply them in real-world situations.