Cultural attitudes

Definition

Cultural attitudes refer to the shared beliefs, values, and norms within a group that shape how individuals perceive and respond to various aspects of life, including sexuality. These attitudes can influence behaviors, expectations, and social norms related to sexual development and behavior during adolescence, impacting how young people understand their own identities and relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural attitudes towards sex can vary widely between different societies, influencing everything from sexual education to the acceptance of diverse sexual orientations.
2. In some cultures, open discussions about sexuality are encouraged, while in others, they may be considered taboo, leading to varying levels of knowledge and comfort among adolescents.
3. Cultural attitudes play a significant role in shaping adolescents' views on consent, relationships, and sexual health practices.
4. Peer influences often reflect cultural attitudes, as adolescents may conform to the norms and expectations set by their friends and social groups regarding sexual behavior.
5. Changes in cultural attitudes, such as increased acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities, can lead to shifts in policies and education systems aimed at supporting diverse adolescent experiences.

Review Questions

• How do cultural attitudes influence adolescent sexual behavior and identity development?
  • Cultural attitudes play a crucial role in shaping how adolescents perceive sexuality and their own identities. These attitudes can dictate what is deemed acceptable or taboo within a society, influencing behaviors such as dating, sexual experimentation, and discussions about consent. As adolescents navigate their own feelings and relationships, they often look to their cultural framework for guidance, impacting their choices and self-perception.
• Discuss the impact of changing cultural attitudes on sexual education in different societies.
  • Changing cultural attitudes can significantly impact the approach to sexual education in various societies. In cultures where open discussions about sexuality are becoming more accepted, schools may implement comprehensive sexual education programs that address topics like consent, healthy relationships, and sexual health. Conversely, in societies where traditional views dominate, sexual education may be limited or absent, affecting adolescents' understanding of important issues related to their sexual development.
• Evaluate how cultural attitudes toward gender roles intersect with adolescent sexual behavior.
  • Cultural attitudes toward gender roles have a profound influence on adolescent sexual behavior. In cultures with rigid gender norms, expectations for boys and girls can dictate how they approach relationships and express their sexuality. For example, boys may feel pressure to engage in sexual activity to assert their masculinity, while girls may be encouraged to adopt more reserved behaviors. This intersection shapes not only individual behaviors but also broader societal perceptions of sexuality, affecting everything from peer dynamics to policy discussions around sexual health.

Related terms

Social norms: The unwritten rules and expectations about how to behave in a particular social group, which can greatly influence individual behaviors and attitudes.

Gender roles: Societal expectations regarding the behaviors and responsibilities appropriate for individuals based on their gender, which can affect sexual development and interpersonal relationships.

Cultural relativism: The practice of understanding a culture's beliefs and practices from the perspective of that culture rather than judging them by the standards of another culture.