Cultural Dichotomies: Navigating the Complexities of Sexual Norms in Pakistan and United States of America

Abstract

Judith Butler believes in the social construction of masculine and feminine roles instead of their biological fixation. According to Zora Voyce the sexual pleasure happens within instead of inside of partner’s genitals. To further enlighten the scholastic strata this research aims to study complexity of interplay among socio-political, religious, ideological and cultural contexts with specific consideration to Pakistan and the United States of America (USA). The study has utilized a comparative approach which examines the discussion of topics related to sexuality for their policing and celebration within the respective countries. The patriarchal values and Islamic traditions are deep rooted in Pakistan that considers the subject of sexuality as a taboo as the societal expectations constrain the discussion of basic sex education and LGBTQ+ issues for religious interpretations and legal restrictions. Burning issues like sexual repression, gender-based violence and honor killings are exacerbated due to limited media representation and formal sex education. On the contrary, USA’s paradigm is liberal taking sexuality as a facet of freedom and personal identity supported by inclusive laws, media normalization, educational reforms and societal support. Discourse encourages and consent is available for sexual minorities for sexual health and gender identity. Openness faces contradiction as well as there exist conservative voices within the American society who resist inclusive reforms and advocate abstinence-only education. The approach of this research is multidisciplinary which draws from gender studies, sociology, religious studies and psychology. The research aims to highlight shaping of sexual ideologies through cultural values; assessment of sexual discourse dependence on the law and religion; and proposing of solutions for inclusive, cultural and ethically sensitive sex education. In a nutshell, the research will bridge literature gaps for culture, mutual understanding, enhanced reason for educational reforms and global sexual equity.

Keywords: Dichotomies, Sex Education, Gender Identity and Sexual Ideologies.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18434155