Sexual connections can lead to social fragmentation, cliques, and exclusion through various mechanisms. One way is that these connections can create exclusive groups where individuals who are not part of the group feel left out and isolated.
People involved in swinging or polyamorous relationships may form closed circles where newcomers face challenges to join in. This can make non-swingers or monogamous couples feel excluded and unaccepted in social settings.
Another mechanism is that sexual connections can lead to competition between individuals. When sexual partners compete for attention or resources, this can cause tension within the group and lead to exclusivity, which excludes others from participating in shared activities. Moreover, sexual relationships can be based on hierarchies, with certain individuals having more power or influence than others, leading to a sense of hierarchy and status among members of the group.
Sexual connections can involve secrecy, creating an illusion of privacy and exclusivity that excludes outsiders. People may guard their intimate lives from others, making it difficult for outsiders to understand and empathize with them. This can also lead to gossip and rumors about sexual relationships, further excluding those outside the circle of trust.
Sexual connections often involve emotional investment and commitment, which can exclude others who do not share similar levels of dedication. Partners who commit themselves to each other emotionally may become distant from others, even close friends, because they prioritize their relationship above all else. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, as well as resentment towards the couple.
Sexual connections have multiple ways of contributing to social fragmentation, cliques, and exclusion through mechanisms such as exclusive groups, competition, secrecy, hierarchies, and emotional investment. Understanding these factors is important to addressing the problem and fostering inclusive and harmonious communities.
In what ways do sexual connections contribute to social fragmentation, cliques, and exclusion?
Sexual connections can play a significant role in creating social divisions, leading to cliques and exclusivity within larger groups. One potential way this happens is through the formation of sexual hierarchies based on gender, sexual orientation, physical appearance, and other factors. These hierarchies can create a sense of superiority or inferiority among individuals, which can lead to social exclusion and ostracization of those who are perceived as "different" from the majority group.