Cultural and Societal Pressures
Society shapes an individual's perception of what is right and wrong. This also applies to sexual behavior in adolescence.
Some cultures consider premarital sex unacceptable while others are more tolerant of it.
All cultures have norms regarding what is considered appropriate or inappropriate sexual behavior for young people.
The most common cultural pressures that influence ethical evaluation of sexual behaviors during adolescence include religion, family values, societal expectations, peer pressure, media influence, and government policies. Religion is perhaps the most significant factor shaping how society views sexuality because many religious groups condemn promiscuous behavior, especially among teenagers. Family values play a significant role in determining the level of acceptability of sexual relationships before marriage. Peers can exert considerable pressure to engage in risky sexual behavior, such as having multiple partners or using drugs and alcohol during sex.
Certain societal expectations may also affect how individuals view themselves and their peers regarding sexual activity.
In some societies, men are expected to be 'masculine' by having sex with multiple women, while females are supposed to remain virgins until marriage. Such beliefs lead to gender-based double standards where males and females have different experiences and attitudes towards sexual behavior. Government policies like age restrictions and consent laws can influence how adults treat adolescent sexuality, leading to unequal treatment between boys and girls.
Societal Pressure on Sexual Behavior
Society has historically placed various expectations on sexual conduct for young people. In ancient times, romantic love was viewed as immoral, and only procreation was acceptable. The Victorian era emphasized chastity, which led to increased shame around sexuality. During the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 70s, sexual liberation became fashionable, but it was still limited by social norms. Nowadays, there is more freedom, but the rise of online pornography has created new problems.
The media also shapes cultural perceptions about sexual behavior in adolescence. TV shows and movies often portray teens as hypersexualized, which can normalize irresponsible behaviors like unprotected sex or promiscuity. Advertising creates unrealistic body images that cause anxiety among teenagers who don't meet them. Music lyrics and videos glorify sexual encounters without considering long-term consequences or emotional bonds.
Cultural and societal pressures shape ethical evaluation of sexual behavior during adolescence. Various factors influence how society views sexual activity, including religion, family values, peer pressure, government policies, and media influence. Teens should be aware of these influences and make informed decisions based on their own beliefs rather than external forces.
How do cultural and societal pressures shape ethical evaluation of sexual behaviors during adolescence?
Cultural and societal pressures play an important role in shaping ethical evaluations of sexual behavior during adolescence. In many cultures and societies, there are specific norms that dictate what is acceptable and unacceptable regarding sexual behavior among young people. These norms may differ based on factors such as religion, gender roles, socioeconomic status, and geographic location.