HUMAN SEXUALITY - EXTRA MARITIAL AFFAIRS

HUMAN SEXUALITY - EXTRA MARITIAL AFFAIRS

HUMAN SEXUALITY - EXTRA MARITIAL AFFAIRS

Introduction

Human sexuality focuses on the idea that there is a spatial component to the connections between sexuality (in all its forms), power, and knowledge. This body of work, following on the heels of the post structural turn in the social sciences and humanities, is a direct outgrowth of feminist geography. Social and spatial constructions of both gender and sex are invoked through issues of heteropatriarchy, which challenges the unequal power relations between those at “the center” (usually heterosexual males) and all other gendered and sexual identities. Lesbians in particular suffer even greater oppression due to the dual constructions of gender and sexuality. As seen through the eyes of lesbian feminist geographers, perceptions of space and place are very important when played out through these manifestations of heterosexual patriarchal power. Sometimes called heteronormativity, this assumed or “compulsory heterosexuality” is challenged in geographical research, giving credence and voice to those sexual minorities that are oppressed and marginalized because of their “difference.” Hence, there is a heavy emphasis on identifying how geographical space plays a critical role in defining (and performing) one's sexual identity. In other words, notions of space and place reveal how particular sexualities materialize themselves on the material landscape.

Body: Discussion and Analysis

In many cultures, marriage sanctions sexual relations between partners. In others, sexuality is confined to pro-creative purposes. Depending on the society, there are different views about procreation. In some societies, it is believed that spirits place babies in women's wombs. Some cultural groups believe that a fetus must be nourished by continual insemination during pregnancy. The Bari of Venezuela believe that multiple men can create the same fetus (multiple paternity). When the baby is born, the mother names the men she recognizes as fathers and they assist her in raising the child (Kottak, 2008).

Extramarital affairs, adultery, or infidelity is widely acknowledged as a violation of marriage by almost all cultures. At the same time, however, extramarital relations, while often secret, are actually a widespread and widely acknowledged social practice. Many of the world's major religions look with disfavor on sexual relations outside of marriage, both before marriage and with someone other than a spouse. Adultery, sex with someone other than one's spouse, is considered to be a crime and justification for divorce in many cultures. In other cultures it is anticipated and considered preferable to alternatives, such as polygyny. (GLASS, WRIGHT, 1992)

Sexual practices differ as well depending on the society. Some societies are more restrictive concerning sexuality. The regulation of premarital sex and extramarital sex differs depending on the society. For example, Inis Beag, off the coast of Northern Island, is a sexually conservative and prohibiting culture. Nudity is prohibited, sexual ignorance is widespread, female orgasm is unknown, marital sex occurs infrequently, and the idea of sexual pleasure is nonexistent (Messenger, 1993). In other societies, such as the Melanesian Islands in the South Sea, marital sex is perceived as a normal and natural ...