Last update: 15 September, 2022
Sexuality is a topic often present in the life of each of us, as it is directly related to the reproduction of our species. In addition to allowing us to reproduce, it has also become a social act that consists in the exchange of affection and pleasure. It therefore arises spontaneously to ask how it is considered sex in society today?
Throughout history, sexuality has been experienced in many different ways. There have been eras of sexual liberalization, alternating with more puritanical eras. Today, we live in a historical period in which sex has taken on a particular role in society. Despite the sexual liberalization achieved in recent decades, in fact, we still find ourselves uncomfortable talking about it in certain contexts.
Although nowadays sex is still partly considered a taboo, we are bombarded with sexual references in practically every context. From advertising to conversations with friends, sex is that ghost that is and isn't everywhere. For some people, then, it becomes a goal of vital importance, which prevails over other needs.
It is therefore natural to ask ourselves whether sex is an obligation or a taboo in our society. In this article we will analyze two different perspectives in search of an answer.
Sex in society perceived as a taboo
Speaking words like "vagina", "penis", "coitus", "condom" and so on can be embarrassing in some contexts. It is curious that something as natural as sexuality causes these reactions. It is also not understood as taboo only in “politically correct” situations, but also in the family or even at school. Sex seems to be a topic to be avoided at home and at school.
Perceiving sex as a taboo - especially in the family or at school - has serious consequences. In the course of our life it assumes an important role, both as regards biological and social development. If we treat sexuality with discomfort or if we ignore it, we risk having poor sex education, which, on the other hand, would require a sincere and open dialogue.
Sex education is the foundation of healthy sexuality. Suffice it to say that most sexual dysfunction comes from performance anxiety. And this anxiety derives, in turn, from the numerous clichés and prejudices about sex, far removed from reality.
Sexuality is a fundamental aspect of our life and if we want to know it thoroughly, it would be better to stop treating it as a taboo. Only with education, research and dialogue can we dispel the myths about sex.
Sex in society experienced as an obligation
In contrast to the view of sex as a taboo, we are also bombarded with references to sexuality. The clearest example is advertising, where the message about the sale of ice cream or shampoo is associated, for example, with a woman having an orgasm. On the other hand, we are offered films and TV series in which sex is fundamental or in which it plays a central role.
The problem it is not that sex is present everywhere, but the way it is presented, that is, unreal or exasperated. Advertising, cinema, pornography, and so on, have made sex a vital goal in our society. If on the one hand sex is still seen as a taboo, on the other it has become an "obligation", a duty to be fulfilled in order to feel part of society.
This is reflected in the multitude of events that we can easily observe every day. As a result, it is easy to imagine the anxiety and embarrassment experienced by a still virgin teenager or young person or performance anxiety towards one's partner. These examples prove to us how toxic it is to see sex as a duty to be performed.
Just as taboos are a symptom of bad sex education, so too is the perception of sex as a duty. Unrealizable expectations and social pressures cause anxiety that easily leads to sexual dysfunctions or disorders of various kinds.
It is therefore important to change our perception of sex and stop seeing it as a taboo and / or an obligation. Sexuality is a set of human behaviors that can bring numerous benefits. We must not fall into the mistake of ruining it with bad sex education or a distorted view.
