Meaning of Sexuality

 Sexuality refers to sexual behaviour, and the thoughts and feelings the person has in relation to that behaviour. Every society controls the sexuality of its members, by embedding it in the institutions of family, religion and law. The core social arrangement within the institution of the family is the martial relationship. The right to engage in sexual activity is a defining characteristic of marriage in all cultures; at the same time, marriage limits sexuality, separating the couple from all other sexually active adults in the society (Potts and Short 1999).

     

 

Contemporary analyses of sexuality emphasize that sexuality is not merely a biological phenomenon whose character is the same across time and space; it is also a cultural construct. Who engages in sexual behaviour with whom and under what circumstances reflect cultural norms and values; even the behaviours in which partners engage reflect social and cultural influence. The meaning of sexuality in contemporary society is situated in a dense network of interrelated categories, including the body, maleness and femaleness, reproduction, sensuality, health, selfhood and so on"

Certain constructions are found in most or all societies. "Even in the face of great international diversity,.... rules for sexual behaviour often are found to be rigidly defined, strictly inforced, and ultimately used to upload heteronormative family relations." In other words, sexuality is hetero, marital, and oriented towards reproduction.

 Despite this normative framework, there is variation. Sexuality varies in its specifics by culture, by race/ethnicity, and by subgroups (e.g., religions ) within society. Within each group, there is a perspective on sexuality. Michael Foucault refers to a way of thinking and talking about sex as a discourse. The discourse gives meaning to sexual behaviour and relationships, and is the basis of norms that are policed by group members. The meaning of sexuality of particular persons reflects the discourses with which they have come in contact.

Human Sexuality and Culture

 "Human sexuality" refers to people's sexual interest in and; attraction to others; it is the capacity to have erotic or sexual feelings and experiences. Sexuality differs from biological sex, in that "sexuality" refers to the capacity for sexual feelings and attraction, while "biological sex" refers to how one's anatomy, physiology, hormones, and genetics are classified (typically as male female or intersex). Sexuality is also separate from gender identity, which is a person's sense of their own gender, or sociocultural classification (i.e., man and woman or another gender) based on biological sex (i.e., male or female). It is also distinct from-although it shapes-sexual orientation, or one's emotional and sexual attraction to a particular sex or gender.

 Sexuality may be experienced and expressed in a variety of ways, including thoughts, fantasies, desires, attitude, beliefs, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships. These manifest themselves not only in biological, physical, and emotional ways, but also in sexuality. Some researches believe that sexual behaviour is determined by genetics; however, others assert that it is a largely molded by the environment. Human sexuality impacts, and is impacted by, cultural, political, legal, and philosophical aspect of life, and can interact with issues of morality, ethics, theology ,spirituality, or religion.

 Sexuality Across Culture

 Throughout time and place, the vast majority of human beings have participated in sexual relationships. Each society, however, interpret sexuality and sexual activity in different ways. Human sexuality can be understood as part of the social life of humans, governed by implied rules of behaviours and the status quo. The sociocultural context of society-- which includes all social and cultural factors, from politics and religion to the mass media-- not only creates social norms but also places major importance on conformity to these norms. Norms dictate what is considered to be acceptable behaviour what is considered normal or acceptable in terms of sexual behaviour is based on the norms, mores, and values of the particular society.

 Different cultures vary in regard to norms, including how they understand and perceive sexuality, how they influence the artistic expression of sexual beauty, how they understand the relationship between Gender and sexuality, and how they interpret and judge particular sexual behaviours (such as premarital sex, the age of sexual consent, homosexuality, masturbation, etc). Societies that value monogamy, for example, are likely to oppose extramarital sex. Individuals are socialized to these mores and values-- starting at a very young age-- by their family, education system, peers, media and religion. 

Society's views on sexuality are influenced by everything from religon to philosophy, and they have changed throughout history and are continuously evolving. Historically, religion has been the greatest influence on sexual behaviour in the United States, however, in more recent years, peers and media have emerged as two of the strongest influences, particularly among American teens.