How do hierarchical religious norms influence sexual power, relational negotiation, and gendered expectations?
Religious norms have been an integral part of human societies for centuries, shaping people's beliefs, values, and behaviors. Religion is often seen as a force that promotes traditional ideas about gender roles, sexuality, and relationships.
There are some exceptions to this rule; some religions encourage their followers to challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for equality between men and women. In this article, I will discuss how hierarchical religious norms influence sexual power, relational negotiation, and gendered expectations.
Sexual Power
Sexual power refers to one partner's ability to control the other person during sex. Religions play a significant role in determining who has sexual power in a relationship.
Islamic law dictates that a woman cannot refuse her husband from having sex with her unless she offers an acceptable reason such as illness or menstruation. This means that the man holds all the power during intercourse because he can initiate it without his wife's consent. Such laws create unequal relationships where the woman is expected to be submissive and obedient to the man's wishes.
Buddhism encourages couples to practice celibacy before marriage but allows them to engage in sexual activity after marriage. The Buddha believed that sexual pleasure was permissible within marriage, provided both partners were equally satisfied. This view empowers women by giving them more say over when they choose to have sex. It also reduces the possibility of abuse since married women are less likely to feel forced into sex against their will.
Relational Negotiation
Religious beliefs shape people's attitudes towards romantic relationships.
Orthodox Judaism prohibits dating before marriage; instead, prospective couples meet at arranged marriage events. This approach ensures that parents are involved in the decision-making process, which reduces the risk of young people making impulsive decisions based on emotions alone. In contrast, Hinduism does not restrict courtship before marriage but emphasizes the importance of parental involvement. The religious norms encourage parents to guide their children's choices, which leads to better outcomes for both parties.
Christianity also values family ties and promotes marriage as a sacred bond between two individuals who agree to love each other unconditionally. Christian marriages typically involve vows and ceremonies officiated by priests or pastors, creating a sense of community support for the relationship.
Some Christians may use the Bible to justify domestic violence or control over their wives. This behavior undermines gender equality since men hold all the power during disagreements.
Gendered Expectations
Religious norms often dictate specific roles and expectations for men and women. Some religions require women to be submissive and obedient to their husbands while others advocate for equal treatment of genders. Islamic law requires Muslim women to wear modest clothing and behave modestly in public. They must ask permission from their husband before leaving the house, a practice known as purdah. This practice reinforces male dominance because it assumes that women need protection from outside influences. In contrast, Buddhist teachings preach against sexual desire altogether, viewing it as an obstacle to spiritual enlightenment. As such, monks and nuns are expected to remain celibate throughout their lives.
Catholicism places more emphasis on family life than individual desires. The Church encourages couples to have large families and discourages divorce and birth control methods. It also prohibits gay relationships, which can lead to homophobia and intolerance towards members of the LGBTQ+ community. On the contrary, Hinduism promotes monogamy but allows polygamy if the first wife gives consent. This flexibility makes it easier for individuals with different needs and wants to find suitable partners.
How do hierarchical religious norms influence sexual power, relational negotiation, and gendered expectations?
Hierarchical religious norms have often been associated with gendered expectations about sexual power dynamics between men and women. Such norms can dictate that women are subservient to men, and thus have less power in sexual relationships. Additionally, they may place restrictions on what is considered "acceptable" behavior in terms of romantic and sexual encounters, which can further limit opportunities for women to negotiate their desires and needs within relationships.