Human Sexual Differences and Desires as Influenced and Depicted by Pornography, Essay Example

Pornography has been identified as one of the most rampant and destructive social problems in the 21^st century. This is largely because of the psychological effects it has on developing and developed human brains. Owing to the nature of its surreptitiousness, pornography has been found to depict, explain and influence human sexual desires and human sexual variations. The scientific analysis of pornography has shown that human sexual desires and human sexual variations stem from one’s perception of their sexuality, their acceptance of it and their ability to express it.

Scientific Theories and Pornography

Sexual Script Theory

The Sexual Script Theory is founded on the concept that an individual’s interpretation of reality and human behavior stem from common beliefs held within their own social groupings. Social groups tend to possess a set of beliefs that distinguish them¹. This explains the general variance in sexual preferences within general social groupings. However, intrinsic differences exist as a result of an individual’s experiences.

The sexual script theory explains the differences in sexual orientation by attributing these differences on the fact that human beings are inherently selective in nature when it comes to sexual preferences². Sexual preferences are developed and enhanced over time as an individual comprehends and accepts their sexuality. As such, this process is influenced by two factors; 1) time, (i.e. an individual’s age) and 2) their understanding and acceptance of their sexuality³. A human beings perception of sex, or their own truth and reality about sex is affected by cultural values as well as socio-economic factors. As such, individuals will naturally have different perceptions about their sexuality.

Sexual scripts are essentially the mental representations that individuals create relating sexuality and employing these scripts in developing an understanding of other people’s behavior as well as their own experiences. The sexual script theory describes human sexual variation as a result of scripting that determines and is a prerequisite to the occurrence of behavior. Scripting is multifaceted and is defined by three types of scripts; intrapsychic scripts, interpersonal scripts and cultural scenario scripts.

Pornography happens to be one of the major sources of information that people incorporate into their sexual scripts. As a result of individuals having different orientations about reality and their own preferences, most people adopt different aspects of pornography into their sexual scripts that they use during sexual activity with real-life partners⁴.

Biological Anthropology Theory

This theory focuses on the variations in human behavior. It employs a number of biological tools to collect critical information and pointers on general and specific human behavior. This information is targeted at developing a rationale for certain human behavior.

Feminist Theory

The feminist theory concentrates on the issue pertaining to gender inequality, with emphasis on the roles, interests and experiences in all aspects of human life. The feminist theory encompasses some aspects that are depicted ion pornography⁵. One of the major pillars of the feminist theory is the objectification and stereotyping of women. The feminist theory does not attempt to define women’s sexuality but rather observe it, note the differences and attempt to explain them. Pornographic content can be found to have certain connotation on the sexuality of a woman⁶.

According to the feminist theory, the traditional role of women in society limited them from exploring, understanding and accepting their sexuality. Pornographic content postulates opposing concepts and has considerable effects over women’s sexuality⁷. Pornographic content tends to promote free expression of the woman’s sexuality and sexual desires. This is evident in sexual behavior. While traditional values may have inhibited the expression of lesbian affections, exposure to lesbian pornographic content encourages the expression of these emotions.

The feminist theory also postulates that pornography reduces women to sex objects⁸. This inherently ties in with the role that the woman plays relative to the man’s the man is usually perceived as the aggressor and as such objectifies the woman in a public show of his dominance through pornography⁹. This psychology affects the woman by making her a recipient of sexual intercourse as opposed to a partner.

Important Factors That Explain the Character and Extent of Pornography

While pornography appears to be general, there are certain factors that influence the character and extent of pornography. This is because there are different types of pornography, each with individuals preferring one or more over others as a result of taste. These factors inherently influence once perception of their sexuality as well as determine its limits. While biological, evolutionary and ecological factors do influence the character and extent of pornography, psychological and social factors are major factors of influence.

Psychological Factors

Psychological factors inherently determine an individual’s character and behavior¹⁰. Personality affects one’s perception of their sexuality and sexual orientation. View of one’s self is important in the formation of an individual’s personality¹¹. Erik Erickson outlines this importance through his theories of development in the adolescent years. A healthy view of self would consist of a harmony in one’s portrayal of their identity and sexuality. In order for one to fully comprehend one’s self, relative to the world, it is pertinent that self-examination and self-questioning of one’s life and its foundations. In the case that one chooses not to examine one’s life, they relinquish critical thinking and remain ignorant to their own though process, behaviors and emotions¹². This creates a situation where individuals become merely a passive receiver of experience as opposed to an engage and active exegetist of experience.

Social Factors

Social factors considerably influence the character and extent of pornography social factors influence the set of values that one holds pertaining to their sexuality. Social interactions with family, friends and the community affects one’s perception of their sexuality. As a member of a social structure, a community, an individual is answerable to a number of people. These individuals hold sentimental value to them and they inadvertently influence that individual’s perception of their sexuality. A society that openly depict promotes certain aspects of sexuality, such as nudity in the form tight fitting and/or short clothing is more likely to have a more liberal approach towards the extent and character of pornography¹³. An individual from a highly conservative background would have conservative tastes in pornography, as well as their perception of sexuality. Furthermore, social circles that condone and promote S&M pornographic content would tend to have extreme perceptions of sexuality.

Gender Differences

There are distinct differences that are found in the manner in which gender is associated with pornography. The distinct gender differences are clearly depicted by the sexual script theory that postulates women and women inherently possess different sexual scripts, which can be influenced by exposure to pornographic content.

Male Sexual Script

Most pornographic material maintain the traditional roles of gender. The man is always perceived to be the hunter, being the one to initiate sexual activity. After receiving consent from the woman, he takes “responsibility” for any proceedings. It is for this reason that he ‘makes love’ to the woman; indicating he is the aggressor¹⁴. Furthermore gender roles are distinguished by the perception that a man’s desirability as a sexual partner is determined by the sexual prowess. This is defined by his ability to identify and respond to all the woman’s sexual needs, maintain an erection and delay ejaculation for extended pleasure to his partner. Pornographic material has been found to promote these aspects of the male sexual script.

Pornographic content uphold the notion that the man does not require an exclusive and emotional attachment to enjoy sex. As such, it is the man’s role to attempt to have as many sexual experiences as possible, usually described as conquests. This appeals to the bravado and macho aspects of men’s psychology, especially with regards to their manhood¹⁵. This is evident from puberty when teenagers are concerned about the size of their penis. This is testament to the effect that pornography has on a man’s sexual scripts.

Female Sexual Script

The woman is generally perceived as the gatekeeper. Her role is to set up blocking strategies to hinder the occurrence of sexual activity. However, she maintains the role of enticer. She sends signals that invite the man to engage in sexual activity. As enticer, she is expected to be attractive and have seductive appeal. The mood of sexual interaction is determined by her ability and skills in performing acts that are desirable to the partner¹⁶. These acts usually entail sexually responding to the man’s behavioral performance and other acts that depict responsiveness to his advances and sexual acts.

Sexual Orientation differences that are important in understanding pornography

In their research, Oga and Goddam highlighted the differences that occur between an individuals expected sexual behavior and existing sexual variations and desires. According to their research, sexuality is determines general sexual behavior and it is expected that individuals express their sexual desires based on their perception of their sexuality. However, most people’s sexual desires do not coincide with their actual sexual behavior¹⁷. Most desires, as is one’s equality, are hidden and rarely shared with others. Instead, these desires are fulfilled through watching pornography.

Evolutionary psychology can explain the difference in sexual desire and sexual variations in humans through a number of concepts. Sexual variations largely stem from mating strategies that human beings have employed over time. There are generally two types of mating strategies; restricted mating strategies and unrestricted mating strategies. Mating strategies have been developed to ensure productivity while ensuring one’s own wellbeing¹⁸. Individuals who possess restrictive mating strategies have to invest considerably for success of reproduction and would be less willing to enter into a new sexual relationship with a different partner. However, individuals with unrestrictive mating strategies tend to easily engage in a sexual relationship.

Evolutionary psychology postulates that men are more unrestrictive in their mating strategies and can thus have numerous sexual partners. Furthermore, they invest considerably little into a sexual relationship. On the other hand, women have to invest a lot in the sexual relationship. This is because reproduction is periodical and restrictive (one baby at a time for 9 months)¹⁹. For this reason, women are more restricted in their mating habits. However, there are women who have unrestricted mating strategies. These women tend to seek partners who depict attractive or prime genes, i.e. possess certain attractive qualities, such as physical excellence, high social standing or high level of intelligence. Women depicting restrictive mating strategies tend to prefer

Conclusion

The scientific study of pornography reveals that human sexual desire and human sexual variations depend on a number of factors. One’s perception of their sexuality affects the manner in which they express themselves sexually. This perception is largely influenced by psychological and social factors. Pornography also reveals that there are certain aspects of one’s sexuality that is not easily revealed. Instead these become fantasizes that they rarely share with others. However, this is dependent on the individuals mating strategy.

As evolutionary psychologist postulate, individuals with a restrictive mating strategy tend to have less intense sexual desire. Individuals with unrestrictive mating strategies tend to have higher sexual desire. As such sexual desire is influenced by an individual’s perception and acceptance of their own sexuality. Human sexual variations stem from the cumulative impact of psychological as well as social factors. Psychological factors determine one’s character, which influences the character rand extent of pornography. These variations are also determined by the society within which one exists. This is because societies have values and norms that are upheld and practices within the collective group.

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