Sociologists are interested in how the society in which we live influences sexual behavior. Even though the basic capacity to be sexual might be biologically programmed, how it is expressed varies greatly across societies, as we saw in the last chapter. For instance, there are differences in what societies tolerate, men’s and women’s roles, and how sexuality is viewed. A behavior that may be seen as normal in one society may be considered abnormal in another. For instance, on the island of Mangaia in the South Pacific, women are very sexually assertive and often initiate sexual activity (D. S. Marshall, 1971). From an early age, they are taught by elders how to have multiple orgasms. However, in Inis Beag in Ireland, sexuality is repressed and is considered appropriate only for procreation (Messenger, 1993). Couples engage in sexual intercourse fully clothed, with only the genitals exposed. Each society has regulated its sexual behaviors.
Sociologists believe that many institutions influence a society’s rules about sexual expression (DeLamater, 1987). These institutions include the family, religion, economy, medicine, law, and the media. Each of these dictates certain beliefs about the place of sexuality in one’s life, and these beliefs can determine what is seen as normal within the society.
The family is the first institution that influences our values about what is sexually right and wrong. Our parents and family provide strong messages about what is acceptable and unacceptable. Religion also influences how a society views sexuality. As we discussed in Chapter 1, Christian doctrine stated that sex before marriage was wrong because sex was primarily for procreation. Some religions provide strong opinions on issues such as premarital and extramarital sex, homosexuality, sexual variations, abortion, mas
turbation, contraception, and sex education. Many people within society look to religious institutions and leaders for answers to their questions about sexuality.
The economy is another institution that affects the societal view of sexuality. The U. S. economy is based on capitalism, which involves an exchange of services for money. This influences the availability of sex-related services such as prostitution, pornography, and sex shops. They exist because they generate money. If people did not purchase these services, they probably would not exist in our society.
The medical community also affects the societal views of sexuality. For example, many years ago physicians taught that masturbation was a disease that could lead to permanent mental illness. This attitude influenced societal opinions of masturbation. Other behaviors that physicians urged people not to engage in included anal intercourse, extramarital sex, homosexuality, and bisexuality. In turn, society’s values about these behaviors were guided by the medical community’s attitudes and beliefs.
A fifth institution that regulates sexual behavior in the United States is the law. The law establishes what sexual behaviors are “officially” right and wrong. For instance, laws regulate things like the practice of sodomy (or anal intercourse), the availability of certain contraceptive methods, and abortion. In turn, this affects how society feels about these practices. Laws help establish societal norms.
As we discussed in Chapter 1, the media constitute another institution that influences societal attitudes about sexuality. Television, magazines, and popular music portray who are desirable sexual partners and what is acceptable sexual behavior. Even though the media have been more inclusive over the last few years, a heterosexual bias still exists (the media tell us that heterosexuality is the most acceptable form of sexual behavior). To be homosexual or even abstinent (AB-stin-nent) is less acceptable. All of these influence the social views of sexuality and what practices we believe are right and wrong.