Development of Sexual Behavior

Introduction: A Script?

Biological Basis

It must be emphasized that all sexual behavior has a biological basis, and that scripting can only shape an inborn potential.
A simple comparison will make this clear: Every child is born with the potential for speech. However, which language children will learn, depends on the social environment. In England, it will be English, in France, French. Not only that: Children of articulate, loving parents, who frequently talk to them, will develop better language skills than those that are neglected. Finally, some children have a special talent for language, and these will profit more from what they hear, while less talented children will profit less. In short, the potential for speech may develop in a great variety of ways, and it may also be hampered and frustrated by a social environment that does not reward a child’s efforts to speak well.
The same is true of a person’s sexual potential. It also develops along the lines suggested by the social environment. Children learn from their parents and older relatives what their proper gender roles are, what behavior is considered “sexual”, what is permitted, and what is forbidden. Older children and adolescents learn from an ever-widening circle of adults and from their friends how and when to approach potential sexual partners, what to do with them and in what sequence. They also learn how to negotiate a mutually satisfying sexual relationship, and how to “stay out of trouble”. However, their sexual potential may also be frustrated and distorted by negative teachings and experiences. In short, as they grow up, individuals learn how to shape their sexual behavior according to scripts provided by their social environment. They try to do this in ways that are both satisfying to them and acceptable to those around them. Most people will succeed in this, but not all.

Mother and child
(from the top)
in England, France, Germany