Sexuality is an integral part of human existence and has been studied extensively across various disciplines including anthropology, sociology, psychology, biology, neuroscience, and history. While it can be defined in many ways, for this article, I will focus on its behavioral aspect, which involves physical contact between individuals that is motivated by sexual desire. Sexuality is not limited to heterosexuals but also includes homosexuals, bisexuals, transgender people, pansexuals, non-binary, and asexuals. It may involve romantic relationships, intimate partnerships, parenting, friendship, and even casual encounters.
There are different perspectives about sexuality across cultures, religions, countries, and generations. Some see it as sacred while others view it as sinful.
Some religions advocate against premarital sex or adultery, while others encourage polygamy. Societies and governments have tried to control sexual expression through censorship, criminalization, and propaganda. These efforts have led to sexual shame, which has become internalized as a tool of political control and moral governance.
Internalization of sexual shame occurs when individuals internalize negative attitudes towards their own sexual desires, behaviors, or identities. This process begins during childhood when parents, teachers, religious leaders, and other authority figures teach children about acceptable and unacceptable forms of sexuality. Children who experience trauma such as abuse, incest, or neglect may feel ashamed of their bodies, emotions, and experiences. They develop low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and guilt, which affects their future sexuality. As adults, they may engage in risky sexual behaviors like promiscuity or pornography addiction to cope with their feelings of shame. They may avoid socializing with people of the opposite gender or feel anxious during physical contact. Sexual shame is also used by governments and institutions to regulate sexual behavior and identity.
Homophobia was once a way to suppress same-sex relationships, but today, it has become less common. In Islamic societies, women are expected to cover themselves from head to toe to protect their honor. Similarly, pornography laws restrict access to erotic materials, leading to an increase in online porn consumption.
Political control through sexual shame can be achieved through various means such as censorship, criminalization, and propaganda. Censorship involves banning certain types of media, artworks, books, music, and films that promote positive views of sex. It can take many forms, including bans on nudity, violence, and profanity.
Some countries have gone further by prohibiting depictions of LGBTQ+ characters or themes, which contributes to the internalization of shame among members of these communities. Criminalization refers to punishing individuals for sexual acts considered immoral or unacceptable. This includes rape, adultery, incest, prostitution, and homosexuality. Propaganda involves spreading misinformation about sexuality through news, magazines, television shows, and social media platforms. It often targets vulnerable populations like children and teenagers who are more susceptible to influence. Propaganda creates negative stereotypes about sexual minorities, promotes abstinence, and encourages monogamy.
Sexual shame is a tool of political control and moral governance that affects individual behavior, identity, and relationships. It begins during childhood when parents and authority figures instill negative attitudes towards sexuality. As adults, people may engage in risky behaviors or avoid socializing with others due to their feelings of guilt and anxiety. Governments use censorship, criminalization, and propaganda to regulate sexual expression and identity. People should be aware of how their thoughts, beliefs, and actions contribute to the normalization of sexual shame.
How does sexual shame become internalized as a tool of political control and moral governance?
Sexual shaming is used by some religious groups and cultures to exert social control over individuals' behavior and beliefs. Shame can be internalized when an individual experiences repeated criticism for their sexual choices or actions from family members, friends, or society. This leads to feelings of guilt and self-blame which can then manifest into anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health effects.