SECULAR VIEW OF SEXUALITY

INTRODUCTION

Sexuality is a difficult subject to discus whenever the topic is raised because it refers to various sexually related aspect of human life including physical and psychological development, behaviors, attitudes and social custom associated with the individual sense of gender, relationship, sexual activity, mate selection and reproduction.

DEFINITION

Generally speaking, human sexuality is how people experience the erotic and express themselves as sexual beings.

Biologically, sexuality refers to the reproductive mechanisms as well as the basic biological drive that exists in all species and can encompass sexual intercourse and sexual contacts in all its forms.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE SEXUALITY

Human sexuality is not simply imposed by instinct or stereotypical conduct as it happens in other animals, but it is influence by both superior mental activity and by social, cultural, educational and normative characteristics of those places where the subject grows and their personal development. Hence the following factors influence human sexuality.

A. Culture.

Culture is said to be a way of life of the people and it contribute a lot human sexuality either positively or negatively as it assigns roles to persons and detects how one acts according to their sexes..

Discussions on sex and sexuality are considered a taboo in most culture. In our environment for example one dares not talk about sex in the presence of little children as it is believed to have a negative influence on them.

B. The Mass media.

Media is a term used to describe the mediums of communication by which large audiences are reached. It could be via television, billboards, internet, etc. issues bordering on nudity pornography, violence, gender discrimination and dehumanizing life style abound in the media, hence it impact so much on our sex and sexuality. It must be stated that the media is a blessing to all who want to use it positively but a curse to all who explore and use it negatively.

C. Peer Group.

Peer group influence has been the bane of most adolescent as it influences their lives even without them realizing it. One learns a lot from his peers whenever he spends time with them. This is because it is natural to listen to people of one’s age group. Peers can a positive influence on each other such as good advice against sexual promiscuity which some peer give themselves. Sometimes peers influence each other negatively by encouraging them to do things that are detrimental to their sexual health and general well being e.g. sexual promiscuity, prostitution, cultism etc.

D. School Environment.

The school environment does not only serve as a centre for learning values but also plays a great role in teaching correctly about human sexuality..

The cris-crossing of students from different homes contribute to their knowledge of the right or wrong appreciation of human sexuality e.g. lesbianism and homosexuality found in most schools. Unfortunately, teachers who are suppose to be the champions of good morals have themselves turned out to be the worst culprit.

E. General society influence.

Whatever exist in the society have a way of influencing our sexuality positively or negatively, consciously or unconsciously. That is why certain sexual tendencies and orientation are accepted as a virtue in some societies while it is a vice in others e.g. homosexuality and premarital sex. The society is made up of families; hence whatever happens in the society reflects what goes on in the families. Thus, the need for good sex education and learning on human sexuality at home by parents and care givers. If this is done correctly and with love, it will go a long way to cure the society of the sexual vices and moral decadence currently ravaging our society.

Thank you.

by Dr. John Raphael