Introduction In the various cultures typically there are vast differences regarding views held and sexuality is one of those views. Each individual in the culture, who makes up the population, has his or her own attitude and views toward sexuality. Within these cultural and personal views, perception of what is considered healthy sexuality and unhealthy sexuality is developed. Each society establishes norms and deems what they consider “unhealthy” as a deviation from this norm. Gender differences also play a large role in the various cultures, especially in relation to human sexuality and what is and isn’t acceptable. Within this paper, this writer will explore two historical perspectives and one contemporary cultural perspective on human
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The Jewish law legislated the frequency in which marital relationships were to occur minimally. This varied according to the man’s profession and the amount of time spent at home. Typically men were laborers, donkey or camel drivers, or sailors (Nevid, Rathus, & Rathus, 2014). The role of the woman, in order to be considered a “good wife”, was to awake before dawn and tend to her families needs, which often included bringing home food, tending to the vineyards, making clothes, and helping the needy. During this time, wives were still considered property of their husbands and divorce could occur at any time (Nevid, Rathus, & Rathus, …show more content…
Ancient Hindus of India viewed sexual pleasure as a spiritual ideal, an act that was natural and beautiful and not a source of guilt or shame (Nevid, Rathus, & Rathus, 2014). It was believed that sexual fulfillment was a way to become reincarnated to a higher level of existence (Nevid, Rathus, & Rathus, 2014). In the fifth century, temples displayed sculptures of gods in erotic poses. Sexual practices were displayed in the Kama Sutra manual, which illustrated different sexual positions. Many of the deities were depicted in same sex sexual activities (Nevid, Rathus, & Rathus, 2014). Yet, while sex is considered a beautiful act for both parties to enjoy, gender roles and equality were still vastly different. It is said that the sole purpose of a woman’s life is to revolve around her husband and children. A wife is expected to subject to her husband’s authority and is required to honor him and bring him happiness (Anees, 2014). The Indian society was prone to rankings and hierarchies, in which many Indian men believe that masculinity involved “acting tough, freely exercising his privilege to lay down the rules in personal relationships, and, above all, controlling women” (Anees, 2014, p. 36). While sexual relationships may have been able to be enjoyed by both genders, gender roles and expectations greatly
The Jewish law legislated the frequency in which marital relationships were to occur minimally. This varied according to the man’s profession and the amount of time spent at home. Typically men were laborers, donkey or camel drivers, or sailors (Nevid, Rathus, & Rathus, 2014). The role of the woman, in order to be considered a “good wife”, was to awake before dawn and tend to her families needs, which often included bringing home food, tending to the vineyards, making clothes, and helping the needy. During this time, wives were still considered property of their husbands and divorce could occur at any time (Nevid, Rathus, & Rathus, …show more content…
Ancient Hindus of India viewed sexual pleasure as a spiritual ideal, an act that was natural and beautiful and not a source of guilt or shame (Nevid, Rathus, & Rathus, 2014). It was believed that sexual fulfillment was a way to become reincarnated to a higher level of existence (Nevid, Rathus, & Rathus, 2014). In the fifth century, temples displayed sculptures of gods in erotic poses. Sexual practices were displayed in the Kama Sutra manual, which illustrated different sexual positions. Many of the deities were depicted in same sex sexual activities (Nevid, Rathus, & Rathus, 2014). Yet, while sex is considered a beautiful act for both parties to enjoy, gender roles and equality were still vastly different. It is said that the sole purpose of a woman’s life is to revolve around her husband and children. A wife is expected to subject to her husband’s authority and is required to honor him and bring him happiness (Anees, 2014). The Indian society was prone to rankings and hierarchies, in which many Indian men believe that masculinity involved “acting tough, freely exercising his privilege to lay down the rules in personal relationships, and, above all, controlling women” (Anees, 2014, p. 36). While sexual relationships may have been able to be enjoyed by both genders, gender roles and expectations greatly