Erotic Plasticity
Updated:Erotic plasticity refers to the degree to which a person's sexual attitudes, behaviors, and desires can be shaped and changed by cultural, social, and situational factors. It suggests that sexuality is not entirely fixed but can be influenced and molded by external forces and personal experiences throughout one's lifetime.
Additional Information
The concept of erotic plasticity was introduced by psychologist Roy Baumeister in 2000. It proposes that individuals, particularly women, may have more flexibility in their sexual responses and preferences compared to a purely biological model of sexuality. This theory helps explain variations in sexual behavior across different cultures and time periods.
Factors that can influence erotic plasticity include:
- Cultural norms and expectations
- Religious beliefs
- Education and exposure to diverse ideas
- Personal experiences and relationships
- Societal changes and shifting attitudes towards sexuality
It's important to note that erotic plasticity doesn't negate the existence of innate sexual orientations or preferences, but rather suggests that there's a range of malleability within those parameters.
Examples
A person raised in a conservative environment developing more open attitudes towards sexuality after moving to a more liberal area
An individual discovering and exploring new aspects of their sexuality later in life, showing the ongoing nature of sexual development