How do large-scale forces shape and constrain people's intimate lives - Essay Example

?How Large-Scale Forces Shape and Constrain People’s Intimate Lives The environment is very much influential regarding individuals’ existence. The effects even transcend into a person’s most confidential affairs. This paper discourses how large-scale agencies such as economy, industrialization, and globalization hone as well as restrict intimacy among peoples’ lives. Specifically, the following discussions delve into certain forms of marriage such as Iran’s temporary marriage and Vietnam’s transpacific marriage. Moreover, the varieties of masculinities in the United States are likewise examined. In addition, some cases of sexual revolution and state or cultural regulation of sexuality are considered. Certainly, wide-ranging potencies are instrumental in affecting people’s lives. Some agents are comprehensive in modifying relationships and sexual identities. Distinctively, economic factors exhibit universal influences in numerous intimacy arrangements. Mut’a otherwise known as marriage of pleasure or temporary marriage is a pragmatic solution practiced by Shi’ite Muslims in Iran (Shahla). This arrangement permits an unmarried woman and an unmarried man to have intimate relationships. The contract is practical since it is usually encouraged for individuals who do not have necessitates for a binding permanent conjugal arrangement. For instance, widowed or divorced Shi’ites may have this convenient option when they prefer to enjoy momentary intimacies. Moreover, this is also ideal for men who do not have much financial, psychological, as well as moral means to enter permanent marriage. For example, instead of sacrificing moral standards and suffer from taboos and social stigma by engaging in premarital sex, a man can have a sanctioned relationship through temporary marriage. This kind of social viewpoint is most likely inspired by the changes brought about by industrialization, globalization, as well as economy. With the modernization comes the evolution of convictions and dematerialization of traditional principles. Nowadays, what is right is “what works”. Globalization has also affected this change in a way that conservative norms are challenged by more liberal foreign standards. In addition, with the economic crises in various areas and intervals, temporary marriage seems to be more sensible than ceremonially lavishing on an extensive yet unsure matrimony. There is no much commemorating and luxurious rituals for it. In the face of economic pressure, temporary marriage is more logical since there are lesser expenses. Similarly, globalization has made it possible for Vietnams to engage in transpacific marriages. “Globalization rapidly opened impersonal markets of capital, goods and labor, and in conjunction with these markets, it also opened a rather personal market of emotions and marriages” (Constable 149). This social change made it possible for locals to have a way out from the marriage squeeze crisis which is due to an extremely low male to female ration in Vietnam. By getting in touch with Vietnamese males in other countries like the US and Australia, women can have more marriage prospects. In addition, transpacific marriages is also an inviting option for many women due to economic benefits. Normally, men living in other countries have higher economic status and earn in profitable currencies. Hence, transpacific marriages is made possible through globalization and poses advantages regarding pecuniary challenges. Another issue which is affected by large-scaled changes is masculinity. This aspect has varied interpretations. One common view is associated with aggression, independence, or vitality. “Penny, like Kate, relies on notion of masculinity as active, not passive” (Elliot 52). This is more of a cliched belief that associates men with the stereotypical attribute of brute strength and assertiveness. “Some mothers think that sons need more independent of their mothers than daughters do” (Elliot 52). Similarly, stereotypical mind-sets consider women to be dependent and weak which is the exact opposite of self-sufficient men. “Men and women are not merely seen as opposites but, historically, masculinity has been constructed as superior to femininity” (Elliot 64). As a result, men act like they do not need counsel from others. “Teenage boys might also be motivated to actively block out their mother’s conversations about sex in order to project an image of masculinity” (Elliot 52). Furthermore, the view of masculinity permeates sexual behaviour. “The belief that girls are sexually desirable but not desiring and that boys are sexually driven and insatiable may make it more difficult for girls to think of themselves as sexual beings and may encourage boys to think about sex as something they must do to prove their masculinity” (Elliot 146). On the other hand, certain people view masculinity as characterized by restraint and gentleness. “Christian men who pledge abstinence claim that they are not only real men but, in fact, better men” (Elliot 142). A true masculine practices wisdom in his intimate affairs. In relation to financial issues, it has been increasingly challenging to sustain a relationship, let alone a family. Clearly, unrestrained sexual behaviors may conceivably lead to certain interruptions in a young man’s education and career. Since spur-of-the-moment sexual activities are unprotected, unexpected pregnancies may arise. This may then result to modifications of goals and financial resources. Hence, one factor for men to practice abstinence is the probable economic repercussions brought about by the possibility of unexpected parenthood. Regarding sexual revolution, one of the most fitting examples is the emergence of Travestis. “Travestis share a gender with women, not that they are women… they are understood to share with women a whole spectrum of tastes, perceptions, behaviors, styles, feelings, and desires” (Kulick 233). Biologically, they are males who engage in cross dressing and other means to make themselves appear feminine such as estrogen hormone injections, cross-dressing, and flamboyant fashion. Many if not most of them have been working as prostitutes. Apparently, this transformation regarding sexuality is much influenced by globalization. Being a forerunner in circulating information across the world, mass media has a lot to do with the standards of beauty. Model-like bodies and well-made up appearances have been adapted by travestis. With their quite attractive and very colourful manifestations, a number of men enjoy their company as well as their services. Furthermore, this cultural regulation of sexuality most commonly found in Brazil and certain parts of Europe have economic bases. Travestis can indeed earn much money through prostitution. With the various setbacks in people’s lives, some individuals may have engaged in this kind of sexuality for commercial assistances. For instance, someone who is still ambivalent regarding his gender may instantaneously proclaim his being a travesti with the thought of compensations. Change has always been part of development. In general, people’s sentiments have gone against the rigid structures of other people’s fundamentalist viewpoints. This is evidenced by the extensive influences of globalization, industrialization, as well as economic variations. There has been a mutual impact between peoples and social agents. All in all, the aforementioned expositions point out the realities of temporary and transpacific marriages, various views of masculinity, and cultural revolutions of sexuality. Indeed, these issues have been affected and are likewise influencing globalization, industrialization, and other social agents. Most of all, economic dynamics have mainly swayed these situations collectively. To put it bluntly, the common factor that impresses lives is money. Works Cited Constable, Nicole. Cross-Border Marriages: Gender and Mobility in Transnational Asia. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2005. Print. Elliot, Sinikka. Not My Kid: What Parents Believe about the Sex Lives of Their Teen agers. New York: New York University Press, 2012. Print. Kulick, Don. Travesti: Sex, Gender, and Culture among Brazilian Transgendered Prostitutes. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1998. Print. Shahla, Haeri. Law of Desire: Temporary Marriage in Shi’I Iran. New York: Syracuse University Press, 2002. Print Read More