Sexual attraction is a natural phenomenon that occurs between individuals of opposite genders or same gender who have different biological traits. This attraction can result in physical contact such as kissing, hugging, touching, or intercourse. It may also lead to emotional connections such as romance or marriage.
When it comes to social groups like schools, workplaces, communities, or clubs, it often leads to exclusion, marginalization, or cliques. The reasons for this vary but include differences in appearance, personality, age, wealth, occupation, religion, culture, family background, and socioeconomic status. In addition to these, some people suffer from discrimination based on their skin color, sexual orientation, disability, political views, or other personal characteristics.
In high school, students are often sorted into 'cool kids' and 'nerds.' Cool kids are usually popular because they are attractive, athletic, wealthy, fashionable, confident, or socially skilled. Nerds are typically introverted, academically inclined, and less interested in sports or social activities. As a result, cool kids may exclude nerds from their circle, leaving them feeling isolated and alone. Similarly, at workplaces, employers may favor employees with good looks, charisma, or extroversion over those who lack these qualities. Such behavior can create a hostile environment where certain individuals feel inferior due to their perceived inferiority complexes.
In the club scene, some people may be excluded from parties, dances, or hangouts due to their clothing choices, body types, drinking habits, or musical tastes. They may be considered outcasts simply because they don't fit into the mainstream group.
Heavy metal fans may be rejected by pop music enthusiasts, while hip-hop listeners may be shunned by country music lovers. These groups often form cliques that only accept members of similar interests and backgrounds.
Cliques are also formed around religious or ethnic lines, especially in communities where diversity is low. People who belong to different faiths or races may be ostracized for not conforming to community norms. This exclusionary behavior leads to feelings of isolation and loneliness among affected individuals who struggle to fit in.
Muslim girls who wear hijabs may find it difficult to mix with non-Muslim students, while African Americans may face discrimination from White people.
Sexual attraction contributes to social exclusion, marginalization, and cliques by creating an artificial divide between individuals based on physical appearance, personality traits, lifestyle preferences, and cultural values. It creates a sense of superiority and inferiority complex that makes some people feel like outsiders even when they have genuine potential. Therefore, there is a need to promote inclusivity and diversity through education, awareness campaigns, and policy changes.
How does sexual attraction contribute to social exclusion, marginalization, or cliques?
Sexual attraction is often associated with physical characteristics that are not within an individual's control, such as facial features, body type, skin color, etc. , which can lead to discrimination based on these traits. When individuals prioritize certain physical attributes over others when forming relationships, it can create feelings of rejection for those who do not meet those standards.