Sexual attitudes and behaviors are influenced by culture, which refers to shared beliefs, customs, values, traditions, and social institutions that shape how individuals relate to others, including intimate partners. Globalization is the process by which societies become increasingly interconnected through communication, transportation, economic exchange, trade, travel, and migration. This leads to changes in cultures, including those related to sex. Cultural norms around sex reflect diverse views on topics such as gender roles, sexual orientation, marriage, monogamy, contraception, premarital sex, pornography, birth control, adultery, incest, rape, prostitution, child marriage, homosexuality, transgenderism, polyamory, fetishism, body modification, kink, age gap, etc. The Internet has accelerated globalization and increased access to alternative perspectives on these issues. Here's how this challenges traditional cultural norms about sex.
Cultural Norms
Globalization exposes people to different ways of life, encouraging them to question their own cultural practices and beliefs.
Traditional Chinese families expect daughters-in-law to be obedient and submissive to husbands' parents.
Westerners often regard this attitude as oppressive or unhealthy, influencing some Chinese women to reject it. Traditional African societies emphasize virginity for girls but not boys.
Global media promotes male sexual pleasure, making some young Africans rethink their attitudes toward men who pursue casual sex. Some Muslim countries forbid public kissing, drinking alcohol, and dating before marriage, while others tolerate it. But American films often show romance, leading many Arab youth to challenge local laws. Increased awareness of other cultures through travel, migration, and social media can influence individuals to question their traditions.
Sexual Attitudes
Globalization also influences sexual attitudes by exposing individuals to new ideas about gender roles, relationships, love, and intimacy.
Some cultures restrict female agency in decision-making, including sexual preferences. But some feminists argue that women have the right to express their desires freely without judgment from society. Others believe that monogamy is natural, yet polyamory allows multiple partners to enjoy committed relationships with mutual consent. Meanwhile, some cultures shun homosexuality or transgenderism but LGBTQ+ rights activists advocate for acceptance worldwide. People may reinterpret religious teachings about sex to include same-sex unions or trans people. Globalization challenges traditional norms by allowing individuals to learn from diverse perspectives on these topics, potentially changing their beliefs.
Changes in Behavior
Social media and entertainment industries create spaces where alternative lifestyles are celebrated. This exposes individuals to new sexual practices, such as BDSM, swinging, orgies, group sex, threesomes, kinks, fetishes, body modification, and more. While some conservative groups condemn these acts, liberals defend them as forms of self-expression. Globalization may change how people dress, speak, interact, and behave sexually, challenging traditional norms. Some cultures prohibit certain behaviors but allow others, while other societies permit all types of behavior.
African societies often stigmatize premarital sex but American culture promotes it.
Globalization can lead to changes in attitudes towards marriage, dating, gender roles, and family structures, impacting cultural norms around sex.
Globalization presents an opportunity for people to challenge traditional cultural norms about sex. It exposes individuals to different views on intimacy, relationships, love, and sexuality. This allows them to question their own beliefs and practices, leading to potential changes in behavior, attitudes, and cultural norms.
Not everyone embraces this shift, with some holding fast to longstanding traditions despite external influences. Nonetheless, globalization continues to shape how we understand and engage in sex, influencing future generations' approaches to sexuality.
How does globalization challenge traditional cultural norms about sex?
Globalization has become an increasingly significant force shaping societies around the world. The rapid growth of communication technology, transportation systems, and trade networks have made it easier for people to interact with individuals from different cultures. As such, the ways we think about sex are also changing as a result of these changes. In some cultures, certain sexual practices may be considered taboo or even illegal, while in others they are commonplace.