How Literary Narratives Shape Sexual Norms, Relational Roles, and Ethical Understanding in Adolescence
Literary narratives are stories written in prose form that follow the lives of fictional characters through their experiences. They can be found in books, magazines, newspapers, plays, and movies. These narratives often feature adult protagonists who face challenges related to love, sex, and relationships. While most literary narratives do not explicitly mention adolescent characters, they still have an impact on how adolescents view these topics. This article will explore how literary narratives shape sexual norms, relational roles, and ethical understanding in adolescence.
Sexual norms refer to socially accepted standards of behavior regarding sex. In many cultural contexts, there is a strong emphasis on heterosexuality, monogamy, and exclusivity.
Literary narratives often depict alternative sexual practices such as polyamory, open relationships, and casual sex. By portraying nontraditional relationships, these narratives normalize them and challenge traditional beliefs about what is acceptable or desirable.
The novel 'Fifty Shades of Grey' by E.L. James depicts a BDSM relationship between two consenting adults that has been praised for its honest exploration of kinky sexuality. The main character, Anastasia Steele, initially questions her attraction to Christian Grey but eventually embraces it, leading readers to question their own preconceived ideas about sexuality.
Relational roles refer to the social expectations placed on individuals based on their gender or sexual orientation. Literary narratives often depict non-traditional relational roles such as same-sex couples, genderqueer identities, and power dynamics within relationships.
The play 'Angels in America' by Tony Kushner features a gay couple navigating the AIDS crisis while also dealing with infidelity and power struggles. The play challenges the notion that love is only possible between cisgender heterosexuals and shows how complex and nuanced relationships can be.
Ethical understanding refers to an individual's moral code regarding right and wrong. Literary narratives can help adolescents develop their ethical understanding by presenting moral dilemmas and discussing the consequences of different choices. In the short story 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne, protagonist Hester Prynne faces judgment for having a child out of wedlock. While she is punished harshly, the novel implies that society's rigid moral standards are unfair and oppressive. This encourages readers to consider what constitutes justice and fairness, even if they disagree with the author's viewpoint.
Literary narratives shape sexual norms, relational roles, and ethical understanding in adolescence by normalizing alternative behaviors, exploring complex relational dynamics, and raising moral questions. By presenting these topics in a nuanced and thoughtful way, they challenge traditional beliefs and encourage critical thinking about social expectations and personal values.
It is important to recognize that not all literary narratives have positive effects on adolescent development and should be approached with caution and guidance from trusted adults.
How do literary narratives shape sexual norms, relational roles, and ethical understanding in adolescence?
Literary narratives are fictional stories written with a purpose that may be entertaining or educational. The way they are structured can have profound effects on how individuals think about themselves, their relationships, and society at large. Studies show that reading fiction is associated with improved empathy and theory of mind (the ability to understand others' thoughts and feelings), which may influence moral reasoning.