One way to understand this question is to look at the way that different religions view marriage and sexual relationships within their teachings.
In Judaism, there is a strong emphasis on the idea of lifelong monogamy between one man and one woman. This can be seen in the Ten Commandments where it says "Thou shalt not commit adultery" and also in the book of Deuteronomy where it states "A man shall not take his father's wife."
There are also exceptions to this rule such as when a man dies without children, his brother must marry the widow so she does not remain unmarried (Leviticus 25:5-10).
Polygamy was practiced in ancient Israel but later outlawed by King Solomon because of its negative impact on society (Deuteronomy 21:15-16). In Islam, marriage is considered a sacred covenant between a husband and wife which should last for life unless they divorce or death separates them. Polygyny is allowed under certain circumstances but polyandry is strictly prohibited. The Quran explicitly forbids sex outside of marriage (Quran 7:33) while allowing for temporary marriages known as mutaah which serve practical purposes such as helping travelers who might otherwise be tempted to have illicit relations during their journey (Quran 4:24). Christianity generally accepts monogamous marriage between a man and woman with some denominations allowing polygyny under certain conditions.
Another way to look at religious texts is through how they view gender roles within sexual relationships.
In Hinduism, women are often seen as subservient to men and must obey their husbands (Manu Smriti 9.37). This can lead to abuse and oppression of women if taken too literally. On the other hand, Buddhist teachings emphasize compassion and kindness towards all living beings including women and do not prescribe any specific rules regarding gender roles in marriage or sexuality. Jainism goes even further by rejecting any form of violence against anyone including animals and plants so there is no room for exploitation or abuse in sexual relationships. In terms of practices, many religions teach that physical intimacy should only occur after marriage and within the confines of marriage.
In Islam, foreplay and oral sex before marriage are considered haram (forbidden) while anal intercourse is completely off-limits due to its association with homosexuality which is also forbidden. Some branches of Hinduism advocate celibacy or brahmacharya until marriage when it becomes a duty for both partners.
Others allow premarital sex but only within the context of marriage where it has spiritual benefits such as procreation and pleasure.
Religious texts provide frameworks for understanding gender equality in sexual relationships but these frameworks may differ from religion to religion depending on cultural influences and historical contexts. It is important to understand these differences when trying to apply them in practice since one person's interpretation could conflict with another's belief system.
How do religious texts construct frameworks for gender equality in sexual relationships, and how are these applied in practice?
The religious texts of many cultures have constructed frameworks for gender equality in sexual relationships that emphasize the importance of mutual respect, consent, and honesty between partners. These frameworks often include guidelines for appropriate behavior within marriage, such as prohibiting extramarital affairs and promoting faithfulness and exclusivity. In some cases, religious texts may also promote female empowerment and autonomy by advocating for women's rights to choose their own sexual partners and make decisions about their bodies.