Unipolar global influence refers to the dominance of one country or group of countries in world affairs. It can also be referred to as hegemony, imperialism, or globalization. Sexual norms are societal expectations regarding appropriate sexual behavior. Religious beliefs vary significantly across cultures, but they typically include prohibitions against certain types of sexual activity such as adultery, incest, homosexuality, and bestiality.
The unipolar system has standardized religious sexual norms through cultural diffusion, political pressure, economic domination, and social media. Cultural diffusion is the spread of ideas, customs, and traditions from one culture to another through communication, trade, migration, and travel. As globalization has increased, Western values have become more widespread, including liberal attitudes towards sex.
Same-sex marriage became legal in many countries after decades of advocacy by Western activists. In some cases, this has led to the criminalization of traditional practices like female genital mutilation and forced marriages.
Political pressure has been exerted on countries that refuse to conform to Western standards of sexual morality. Countries may face sanctions, boycotts, or even military intervention if they do not meet international standards.
US President Barack Obama pressured African countries to decriminalize homosexuality during his second term in office. He said: "When you start treating people differently because they're different, that's the path whereby freedoms begin to erode." This pressure has led to a decrease in anti-gay laws around the world, although many countries still criminalize homosexuality.
Economic domination has also played a role in standardizing sexual norms. The United States is the world's largest economy, controlling 40% of global GDP. It can use its economic power to impose its will on other countries, as it did with Iran when it threatened to cut off oil imports unless the country released political prisoners in 2019. Similarly, European nations used their wealth to colonize Africa for centuries, imposing Christian morality on Muslim societies. Today, Western companies dominate social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, which influence public opinion globally.
Social media has also contributed to the spread of liberal attitudes towards sex. Pornography is easily accessible online, and social movements like MeToo have pushed back against gender-based violence.
Some argue that this has caused a moral decline by promoting casual hookups, porn addiction, and the objectification of women. Religious conservatives have responded by advocating for more traditional values and family-centered policies.
Unipolar global influence has standardized religious sexual norms through cultural diffusion, political pressure, economic domination, and social media. While these changes may be beneficial in some cases, they have also created tensions between cultures and religions.
How does unipolar global influence standardize religious sexual norms?
Unipolar global influence is an effect of Westernization, which is caused by the colonization of non-Western countries by the West. It brings about cultural homogenization and economic inequality between regions. In this context, religious sexual norms are subjected to change as they become influenced by Western morality. This impact can be both positive and negative depending on how it affects local cultures. On one hand, it may improve gender equality and enhance women's rights.