What societal and psychological effects arise from strict religious sexual norms on marriage, gender, and community cohesion?
Sexual activity plays an important role in human life as it is one of the most natural urges present in all humans since birth. It is considered to be the driving force for reproduction which brings about the continuation of humanity.
When it comes to religion and culture, there are numerous restrictions that have been placed on the same thing which has resulted in severe implications on society. This article will explore the various societal and psychological impacts brought about by strict religious sexual norms on the three aspects of society which include marriage, gender, and community cohesion.
Marriage
One of the major societal factors affected by strict religious sexual norms is marriage. In many cultures where religion reigns supreme, marriage is viewed as a sacred union between a man and a woman. As such, sex outside this union is regarded as sinful and therefore, leads to severe punishments such as divorce or even death. In extreme cases, women who indulge in extramarital activities are subjected to stoning while men face severe flogging for adultery. These punishments lead to fear among couples who end up living unhappy marriages because they cannot fulfill their sexual desires with each other. Such forced celibacy affects the quality of relationships within a marriage and may result in break-ups. The lack of intimacy can also cause frustration leading to domestic violence and increased cases of depression amongst the married people.
Another consequence of strict religious sexual norms is the discrimination faced by single parents. When people engage in premarital sex, most religions view them as sinners and thus, they cannot get married in a church.
Children born out of wedlock are not allowed to attend church services and take part in certain religious rites such as baptism. These children suffer rejection from the rest of society which may lead to mental trauma and low self-esteem. It should be noted that such strict regulations do not only apply to unwed mothers but also to widows and those whose spouses have passed on without having had time to formalize their marriages through a church.
Gender roles
Strict religious sexual norms also impact gender roles.
It is common for some cultures to prohibit women from taking leadership positions in churches or holding any key administrative positions. Such communities view women as weaker sexes that need protection from male dominance. As such, when a woman is found guilty of breaking the sexual code, she faces more serious consequences than her male counterpart. This has resulted in a culture where men feel superior to their female counterparts who fear expressing themselves due to the belief that they will be punished if they do so. In some cultures, there is no concept of consent between couples hence one partner can force the other into any form of sex against their will. There are instances where rape victims are forced to marry their rapists because they believe that this would save their reputation since the rapist has accepted to marry them. Women in such societies live under constant fear of being abused by their partners who use religion as a coverup.
The issue of homosexuality has been heavily debated all over the world with most conservative religions condemning its practice. LGBTQI+ individuals face discrimination and ostracism in many religious communities which results in isolation, depression, and even suicide in extreme cases. Homophobia is rife in such communities hence the members are not given any chance to express themselves freely without fear of rejection. It should be noted that same-sex relationships have been reported to be prevalent in most parts of the world yet, people remain afraid to admit their sexual orientation for fear of persecution.
Community cohesion
Strict religious norms also impact community cohesion.
In some cultures, people cannot engage in interfaith marriages or friendships. As such, members of different faiths are prohibited from interacting with each other and thus, creating division within the society. This leads to a lack of harmony and understanding among the members of society who remain divided along religious lines. The resultant tribalization causes ethnic cleansing and violence among various communities leading to political instability. In extreme cases, countries have experienced civil wars due to the differences brought about by strict religious norms on sex.
Religious sexual norms also affect economic activities in the society.
Women in such societies find it difficult to own property because they are viewed as subservient to men. Therefore, they are denied access to finances and business opportunities. Such policies lead to unequal distribution of resources whereby men dominate all sectors of the economy while women continue to be oppressed. When there is an imbalance in power, this creates social discontentment which may result in riots and protests.
Strict religious sexual norms have had adverse effects on society in many ways. These include marriage, gender roles, community cohesion, and economics. People should work together to ensure that they create inclusive spaces where everyone feels accepted regardless of their religion or sexual orientation.
What societal and psychological effects arise from strict religious sexual norms on marriage, gender, and community cohesion?
Strict religious sexual norms often lead to gendered roles and expectations that can have significant impacts on both individuals and society as a whole. In many religions, women are expected to be submissive to their husbands and men are expected to provide for their families financially. This can create tension between spouses if one partner fails to meet these expectations, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and even fear of rejection or punishment.