Sexual Duplicity Highlights Contradictions Between Personal Desire and Institutional Expectation
There is a widespread belief that people have multiple desires, which are often conflicting with one another. This is especially true when it comes to their sexuality. When individuals engage in sexual acts with others outside of their marriage, they may feel guilty or ashamed for breaking societal norms.
This does not prevent them from continuing to do so. On the contrary, many people enjoy having extramarital affairs and find fulfillment through these experiences. The resulting duplicity highlights contradictions between personal desire and institutional expectation.
People want freedom and satisfaction, but society expects them to be faithful and monogamous. In some cases, individuals might even feel pressured into doing things they don't truly enjoy.
If someone has been conditioned to believe that having sex with multiple partners is immoral, they may feel obliged to remain loyal to their partner despite not feeling satisfied. As a result, they may develop anxiety and depression, leading to mental health problems.
There is also an argument that institutions create this conflict by imposing unrealistic expectations on individuals. Society should acknowledge that everyone is different and has unique needs. People should be allowed to explore their own desires without fear of judgment or punishment. Otherwise, they will continue living double lives out of necessity. They may become stressed due to keeping secrets, lying to friends, and worrying about getting caught.
Sexual duplicity can also manifest in other ways. Someone who enjoys BDSM may hide their desires from partners because they worry about how it would affect their relationship. Similarly, someone who wants to experiment with polyamory may keep it secret for fear of social stigma. These types of secrecy lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, further exacerbating the situation.
It's important to remember that sexuality is complex and multifaceted. No one should have to conform to societal norms or pretend to be something they are not just to fit in. Everyone deserves to express themselves authentically without fear of repercussions. Acknowledging these contradictions is essential for creating a more accepting world where people feel safe exploring their sexuality openly and honestly.
How does sexual duplicity highlight contradictions between personal desire and institutional expectation?
Sexual duplicity refers to the act of engaging in sexual behavior that is hidden from others, especially within an institution such as marriage. This can involve engaging in extramarital affairs, lying about one's sexual orientation or preferences, or hiding one's sexual identity altogether.