Sexual Psychology – Critical Reflection – Due FRI 11/12

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Sexual Behavior: A Cultural/Societal Construct

Kyami Clarke

University of Maryland Global Campus

PSYC 332 7380: Psychology of Human Sexuality

Dr. David Banks

October 28, 2021

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Sexual Behavior: A Cultural/Societal Construct

“The cultural and societal context in which we live plays a large role in determining sexual

behavior. Virtually all societies around the world regulate sexuality in one form or other,

effectively establishing standards for sexually 'normal' and 'deviant' behaviors among certain

groups of people. However, there is huge variability in these standards. For instance, although

most industrialized societies today have established a norm of sexual monogamy, there are

other cultures that not only permit, but explicitly encourage a free exchange of sex partners,

even within marriage.”

Justin J. Lehmiller (2017)

Sexuality is such an essential aspect of human life. When agrarian societies surfaced, there was

a rise in collaborative guidance of sexuality, presumably due to the rising population and the expansion

of intensive urban areas. This oversight imposed stricter rules on sexuality and sexual actions. Gender

roles about sexual identity became quite strict with the emergence of patriarchal cultures and sexual,

social standards started to focus on sexual protectiveness and the regulation of women's sexuality

(Lehmiller, Chapter 2: Sexology Research: History, Methods, and Ethics, 2017). How men and women

were permitted and anticipated to express their sexuality diverged dramatically, with men wielding far

more sexual choice and authority. Various ethnicities, on the other hand, have developed distinct

methods to gender.

The majority of world religious faiths have established moral norms to mentor human sexual

exercises. In several modern countries, the religious influence on sexual identity is most visible in the

long-debated issue of homosexuality. Lehmiller (2017) explains that many religious facets view

sanctified sexual acts as only between a man and woman. It is only to be performed within the confines

of marriage and primarily for procreation. Any deviation from those parameters and specific sexual acts

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are deemed unlawful, immoral, or shameful. Depending on the religion and the person's fervent belief

system, one, some, or all these distinctions are assigned. Most religious principles state that one should

have complete authority over one's sexual drive or sexual attraction. If a person cannot adhere,

restrictions are imposed on when and how sexual identity can be conveyed. It is often a case of religious

faith "whether or not sex before marriage, the use of contraceptive methods, polygamist relationships,

or abortion are deemed appropriate" (Lehmiller, 2017).

All through history and space, the large majority of people have been involved in sexual

connections. However, every community has a specific way they interpret human sexuality and sexual

activities. Sexual identity can be comprehended as an aspect of human society, constrained by implicit

norms of conduct and the status quo. The cultural environment of societal structure, which involves all

social influences ranging from politics and religion to mainstream media, generates social standards and

places a high value on compliance to these standards. What is deemed tolerable conduct is dictated by

standards; what is deemed okay or tolerable regarding sexual conduct is based on the norms, taboos,

and principles of the given society?

Individuals need to understand that each culture has its own distinct social norms concerning

sexuality. How one culture understands sexual identity and behavior is based on that community's

history, the country of origin, and primary belief system (OpenStax College, n.d.). The connection

between gender and sexuality and defined generally results in judgments of specific sexual activities.

Infidelity and open relationships are opposed and viewed harshly within communities with a high value

on monogamous relationships. People are conditioned by cultural norms and principles by their

relatives, a system of education, peers, media, and religion from a very early age (OpenStax College,

n.d.).

The question that comes to mind is how do we challenge cultural norms and stereotypes to

invite a more inclusive and open society regarding sexual identity and behavior?

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References

Lehmiller, J. J. (2017). Chapter 1: Theoretical Perspectives on Human Sexuality. In J. J. Lehmiller, The

Psychology of Human Sexuality (2nd ed., pp. 1-25). John Wiley & Sons, LTD. Retrieved 10 23,

2021, from

https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/umuc/reader.action?docID=5106984&ppg=33

Lehmiller, J. J. (2017). Chapter 2: Sexology Research: History, Methods, and Ethics. In J. J. Lehmiller, The

Psychology of Human Sexuality (2nd ed., pp. 26-53). John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Retrieved October

25, 2021, from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/umuc/detail.action?docID=5106984

OpenStax College. (n.d.). Sexual Behavior. In Introduction to Psychology. Lumen Learning. Retrieved

October 20, 2021, from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wmopen-

psychology/chapter/introduction-to-sexual-behavior/