Senegal is a country located in West Africa that has a population of approximately 16 million people, of which about 94% practice Islam, and 2% are Christians, with most practicing Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. The remaining 4% belong to various indigenous religions such as animism. Religion plays an important role in Senegalese society, especially when it comes to adolescents' moral reasoning, sexual self-concept, and relational attachment before marriage.
Religious teachings can shape adolescents' moral reasoning by providing them with guidelines for making decisions and judging actions based on their religious beliefs.
Muslims believe that premarital sex is forbidden, while Christians view it as a sin. These religious teachings influence how they perceive morality and make decisions regarding sexual behavior. This can lead to different outcomes depending on whether they choose to follow or disobey these teachings. Some may become more promiscuous if they do not follow religious teachings, while others may feel guilty if they do engage in premarital sex.
Religion also shapes adolescents' sexual self-concept.
Muslims may have a lower level of comfort talking about sex than Christians because they are taught that sex should be saved for marriage.
Both groups may experience anxiety about having sex outside of marriage due to fear of judgment from their community and religious leaders. Sexuality is often seen as a taboo topic, so many young people do not receive adequate education about it. This lack of knowledge can lead to misunderstandings about sexual health and safety.
Religious teachings also affect relational attachment before marriage. In Islam, men are expected to marry multiple wives and take care of their families financially, which means that some women may struggle to find partners who can provide for them. Meanwhile, Christian teachings emphasize monogamy, which can create pressure to stay in relationships even when they are unhealthy. Both religions stress the importance of finding a partner who shares similar values, but this can be challenging since Senegalese society values arranged marriages over dating.
Religion plays an essential role in shaping adolescent development by influencing moral reasoning, sexual self-concept, and relational attachment before marriage. While these teachings can help guide young people towards making responsible decisions, they can also lead to harmful outcomes such as shame, guilt, and isolation. It is crucial for parents and educators to provide accurate information about sexual health and encourage open communication with teenagers to promote healthy relationships and decision-making.
How do Senegalese religious teachings shape adolescents' moral reasoning, sexual self-concept, and relational attachment before marriage?
Due to their cultural background, Senegalese adolescents are socialized to have strong attachments towards family and community values that guide their behavior and moral reasoning. These attachments are shaped by religious teachings which promote respect for elders, modesty, and traditional gender roles.