The transition from childhood to adolescence is characterized by physical changes that accompany hormonal alterations that can affect both body and mind.
These transformations are often accompanied by psychological struggles that manifest themselves in multiple ways.
Young people may feel the need to assert their individuality, experiment with new behaviors, rebel against authority figures, etc., all while maintaining close ties with their family and friends. This period of life is also marked by intense emotional experiences related to feelings of love, desire, and attraction, which can be experienced in different ways depending on the person's cultural context.
In Western society, this stage is considered an age of exploration and discovery, where individuals experience their sexual awakening and seek independence through romantic relationships. According to Freudian psychoanalysis, adolescents strive for sexual pleasure but must overcome parental barriers to achieve it. In contrast, other cultures view this period as more conservative, valuing chastity and virginity until marriage. Despite these differences, most societies consider adulthood to be a stable state achieved after reaching certain milestones such as completing education or finding a job.
The inner drive for erotic expansion does not disappear when one reaches adulthood. On the contrary, this drive tends to increase even further during this stage due to increased opportunities for sexual encounters and greater social freedom. While some adults find satisfaction in monogamous relationships, others may pursue non-traditional forms of intimacy, such as polyamory or BDSM. Some may question the very concept of 'monogamy', considering it unnatural or oppressive.
Despite these trends, many still believe that a stable relationship with just one partner is ideal and necessary for personal fulfillment.
Some studies suggest that there are significant benefits to engaging in multiple long-term relationships simultaneously.
People who practice polyamory report higher levels of emotional well-being than those in traditional relationships. Moreover, they tend to have less jealousy and possessiveness, which can lead to healthier communication and conflict resolution skills.
The cultural framing of adulthood as stable conflicts with the inner drive for erotic expansion because it prioritizes conformity over individual needs and desires. The social pressure to fit into predefined roles often causes individuals to suppress their innate impulses, leading to feelings of guilt and shame. This suppression can manifest itself physically through physical symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or insomnia. At the same time, suppressed desire can be channeled into other areas of life, such as work or hobbies, but at the expense of personal growth and happiness.
While adulthood may represent stability and security in society's eyes, this does not necessarily correspond to the human experience.
How does the cultural framing of adulthood as stable conflict with the inner drive for erotic expansion?
The cultural notion that adulthood is a time for stability clashes with the natural human drive towards erotic exploration due to several reasons. For one thing, it limits individuals' opportunities to experiment with their sexuality, which can lead to feelings of boredom and monotony. Additionally, it can create pressure to conform to social norms rather than expressing genuine desires and needs.