By: Brian S. MH, MD (Alternative Med.)
Sexual intercourse between a husband and wife is often regarded as a social norm due to a combination of historical, cultural, religious, and psychological factors. Here are some key reasons:
1. Cultural Expectations
Marriage as a Social Institution:
In many cultures, marriage is seen as a fundamental social institution that establishes a framework for family life. Sexual intercourse is often viewed as a natural part of this union.
Cultural Traditions:
Various cultures have traditions and practices that emphasize the importance of sexual intimacy within marriage, reinforcing its status as a social norm (Hammond, 2010).
2. Religious Beliefs
Religious Doctrine:
Many religions advocate for sexual relations to occur exclusively within marriage. This is often based on beliefs about morality, family structure, and procreation (Baker, 2010).
Moral Guidelines:
Religious teachings often provide guidelines about sexuality, promoting the idea that sexual intercourse within marriage is sacred and should be prioritized over premarital or extramarital sexual relationships.
3. Biological and Psychological Factors
Reproductive Purpose:
Sexual intercourse in marriage is often linked to reproduction. The biological imperative to reproduce can lead societies to promote sexual relations within the bounds of marriage (Belsky et al., 2009).
Emotional Bonding:
Sexual intimacy can enhance emotional bonds between spouses, promoting relationship stability and mutual support. This emotional aspect reinforces the norm of sexual relations within marriage (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007).
4. Legal and Economic Structures
Legal Recognition:
Many legal systems recognize marriage as a formal relationship, often providing legal benefits related to property, inheritance, and child-rearing, which can incentivize sexual relations within marriage.
Economic Cooperation:
Marriage is often seen as a partnership that allows for economic cooperation and stability. Sexual relations can strengthen this partnership by fostering intimacy and cooperation (Cherlin, 2004).
5. Socialization and Norm Reinforcement
Social Norms:
Societies socialize individuals from a young age about the appropriateness of sexual relations within marriage. These norms are reinforced through family teachings, media, and community expectations (Schmitt et al., 2003).
Peer Influence:
Individuals often feel pressure to conform to societal norms regarding marriage and sexuality, which can further entrench the belief that sexual intercourse is primarily a marital activity.
Summary
Sexual intercourse between a husband and wife is considered a social norm due to a blend of cultural, religious, biological, psychological, legal, and social factors. These elements work together to establish and reinforce the expectation that sexual relations are an integral part of the marital relationship.
References
Baker, C. (2010). Religion and Sexuality: The Emergence of Sexuality in the Study of Religion. Journal of the Society for the Study of Religion, 49(2), 189-208189-208.
Belsky, J., et al. (2009). Genetic and environmental influences on sexual behavior. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 6(1), 143-151.
Cherlin, A. J. (2004). The Deinstitutionalization of American Marriage. Journal of Marriage and Family, 66(4), 848-861.
Hammond, C. (2010). Social Norms and Marriage: The Role of Cultural Context. Cultural Sociology, 4(1), 45-60.
Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007). Attachment in Adulthood: Structure, Dynamics, and Change. Guilford Press.
Schmitt, D. P., et al. (2003). Sexuality in human mating strategies: The role of culture and individual differences. Journal of Sex Research, 40(1), 96-104.
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