Cultural influences

Definition

Cultural influences refer to the ways in which the beliefs, values, norms, and practices of a society shape individuals' attitudes and behaviors, particularly regarding sexuality. These influences can vary widely across different cultures and can affect how people perceive sexual norms, make decisions about relationships, and express their sexual identities. Understanding these cultural factors is crucial for comprehending how diverse backgrounds impact sexual decision-making and the values individuals hold.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural influences can dictate varying attitudes towards premarital sex, sexual orientation, and gender roles across different societies.
2. In many cultures, traditional values can conflict with modern views on sexuality, creating generational divides in sexual attitudes.
3. Religious beliefs often play a significant role in shaping cultural influences on sexuality, impacting decisions around marriage, contraception, and sexual health.
4. Cultural influences can lead to stigmatization or acceptance of certain sexual behaviors, which can affect individuals' mental health and well-being.
5. Globalization has increased exposure to diverse cultural influences, leading to evolving sexual norms and values as societies interact and exchange ideas.

Review Questions

• How do cultural influences shape individual sexual decision-making processes?
  • Cultural influences shape individual sexual decision-making by providing a framework of beliefs and values that individuals internalize. For example, societal norms can dictate what is considered appropriate behavior in relationships or inform personal views on topics like consent or contraceptive use. These cultural frameworks can lead to different outcomes based on how closely individuals align with or resist these norms, ultimately guiding their choices in sexual contexts.
• In what ways do cultural influences contribute to the differences in attitudes towards same-sex relationships across various societies?
  • Cultural influences contribute to differing attitudes towards same-sex relationships by embedding specific beliefs about gender roles and sexuality within a society's values. In cultures where traditional heterosexual norms are prevalent, same-sex relationships may face stigma or legal repercussions. Conversely, societies that embrace diversity and inclusion may foster acceptance and support for same-sex relationships. These varying attitudes highlight how deeply ingrained cultural perspectives can shape individual experiences and societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities.
• Evaluate the impact of globalization on cultural influences related to sexuality in contemporary society.
  • Globalization has significantly impacted cultural influences related to sexuality by facilitating the exchange of ideas and values across borders. This exposure allows individuals to encounter diverse perspectives on gender roles, sexual orientation, and relationship dynamics. While globalization can lead to the adoption of more progressive attitudes towards sexuality in some areas, it may also provoke backlash from conservative factions seeking to preserve traditional values. Thus, the interplay between global influences and local cultural contexts creates a dynamic landscape where attitudes toward sexuality continue to evolve.

Related terms

Social Norms: The unwritten rules that govern behavior in a group or society, often dictating what is considered acceptable or taboo in terms of sexual conduct.

Cultural Relativism:

The principle of understanding and evaluating cultural practices based on their own context rather than imposing one's own cultural standards.

Sexual Scripts:

Culturally derived guidelines that outline expected behaviors, roles, and norms related to sexuality and relationships.