Societal Norms and Masturbation Essays -- Sociology, Sexuality

Societal norms greatly influence our views and attitudes concerning withdrawal. In American society, Psychology Today says people tend to consider masturbation as a sexual refuge for singles who are looking to compensate for a lack of sex (Castleman) and gives others the impression that one who masturbates in low or incapable of having sexual relations. However, Castlemans article references a survey conducted by the University of Chicago that disputes this theory and suggests instead that a sexless relationship forget suppress masturbation (Castleman). Historically, masturbation was thought to lead to serious medical side-effects however this is not the case. As more and more doctors medically proved that masturbation is not physically harmful, others looked to support the idea that masturbation could possibly have positive health effects. Both of these factors lead to a greater normalization of masturbation today.Media plays a extensive role in our societys sexual educati on and views. Most commonly, the stigma that masturbation is an inferior or weak sexual act crosses our video recording and computer screens often. For example, both That 70s Show and Seinfeld suggest that those who give in or fail to be masters of his domain (Chaney) are substandard to the rest of society. fleshly evidence that masturbation and sexual pleasure are positive behaviors seems to be more evident now than ever before. Not only is the act arousing, except serotonin and epinephrine course through your body (Daniels), increasing ones mood significantly. Also, many researchers argue that people who masturbate have a heightened spirit of what pleases them sexually, which often leads to a better intimacy with a partner (... ...t I introduce in their sessions. However, I am concerned that not all participants will be completely honest and candid because of the stigmas inherent in our society.Works CitedCastleman, Michael. All About Sex. 30 March 2009. Psychology Today. 1 February 2012.Chaney, Jen. Seinfeld, Four Its existent and Its Spectacular. 17 May 2005. The Washington Post. 2 February 2012.Daniels, Chris and Jes Levatter. Masturbation key to healthy, functional sexual relationships. 19 April 2007. The Badger Herald. 31 January 2012.Dolphin, Lambert. Masturbation And The Bible. 5 March 1991. 31 January 2012 .Wells, Ken R. Masturbation. 2006. Health Line. 2 February 2012 .