PSYC FPX 2800 Assessment 4 Sexual Behaviors
Capella University
PSYC FPX 2800 Introduction to Human Sexuality
Prof. Name
November, 2024
Abstract
This paper analyzes how sexual behaviors are depicted in the Twilight series. It primarily focuses on the relationship between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen-both a high school student and a vampire who develop intense and complex romantic feelings and desires that have a degree of danger to them as well. The whole series can be marked by Edward’s desire to control the physical aspects of their intimacy, which stems from his being a vampire. This forms a dynamic of power, restraint, and longing, and the paper analyzes these sexual behaviors and questions where the boundaries lie between passion and control. It also examines the repercussions of such portrayals on public perceptions of romance and relationships within young adult literature and film adaptations as well as how they shape public understandings of consent, agency, and idealized love.
Sexual Behavior
Sexual behavior represents a variety of actions, expressions, and practices involved in human sexuality (Cameron & Iglesias, 2024). These behaviors include reproductive activity such as sexual intercourse and non-reproductive acts, such as flirting, touching, and intimate contact. Sexual behavior is influenced by a range of factors such as biological drive, psychological needs, cultural norms, and the influence of society. All individuals are bound to act out their sexuality differently, based on personal preference, value, and experience. These can vary from conventional expressions of intimacy to more atypical practices, like those found in BDSM or other alternative sexual subcultures. Furthermore, within different cultures and historical periods, sexual behavior may be widely accepted or stigmatized depending on the prevailing norms of the time. Indeed, sexual behavior in media, books, and film influences the perception of the public to a large extent and can reinforce or challenge cultural ideals regarding consent, power, and intimacy. Sexual behavior certainly remains an important aspect of personal and social life.
Bondage Dominance Sadism Masochism (BDSM)
Bondage, Dominance, Sadism, and Masochism, which are commonly abbreviated as BDSM, constitute a complex and varied phenomenon of sexual behaviors and practices with a power dynamic, consensual role-playing, and physical sensations (Wuyts & Morrens, 2022). These behaviors usually entail the consensual transfer of power, where one individual plays the dominant role while the other assumes a subordinate or masochistic role. Bondage is any type of restraint or restriction while dominance and submission are psychological control where the dominating person exercises authority over another. Sadism and masochism are giving or receiving pain or humiliation, either through control or negotiation.
The BDSM sexual subculture also runs contrary to the traditionally defined views of intimacy and sexuality. Unlike what most believe – that it is something fundamentally abusive or damaging – the basic premises of BDSM include consent, communication, and well-established boundaries, based more on safety and well-being on both sides. People are different with BDSM; some appreciate psychological games in power struggles while others like the sensory physicalness or emotional intensity. Although recently BDSM has received more exposure and acceptance from the mainstream due to its media presence, such as the “Fifty Shades” book series, mostly in its cinematic adaptation, it also tends to be one of the primary topics of debate regarding representation and its influence on views toward consent, power dynamics, and sexual expression.
Bondage Dominance Sadism Masochism and the Media
Bondage, Dominance, Sadism, and Masochism (BDSM) have increasingly become more mainstream and visible in the media (Larva & Rantala, 2024). Many debates have been made over consent, power, and sexual freedom. In this regard, while BDSM is an activity that is based on consensual exchange and negotiated boundaries, its depiction in media often raises controversy, particularly if power imbalances or abusive relationships are portrayed without consent. A good example is the “Twilight” series in which the intense and often controlling relationship between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen contains elements that echo BDSM power dynamics, although never directly classified as such. His desire to control parts of their physical relationship—such as his aversion to sex due to his vampiric state—creates tension over wanting and not wanting something similar to the psychological component of BDSM. However, the series doesn’t develop or portray BDSM as such. Instead, it follows a much more traditional and romantic path, and though this dynamic isn’t labeled as BDSM, there’s much to consider when looking at control, consent, and the nature of desire within the BDSM relationship. Portrayals in films like Twilight thus shape how viewers view such relations in real life as relating to power, a move that points out both the attractiveness and danger of an unbalanced power situation in romantic relations.
Impact on Society Based on Media Portrayal of BDSM
The media representation of BDSM has had an immense impact on the perception of society regarding sexuality, consent, and power in relationships (Ornelas et al., 2023). With BDSM now gradually shifting from the periphery of sexual culture to mainstream through popular works like Fifty Shades of Grey, it has created a lot of debate about what healthy sexual expression is. On the flip side, these depictions have normalized alternative sexual activities, and discussions around topics of BDSM have lessened taboo and encouraged openness in conversations about one’s desire and intimacy. As for the way BDSM appears in films and literature, it seems to be problematic. Most mainstream depictions center on power imbalances, and control, which can sometimes blur a line between consensual BDSM, and abusive behavior. This creates a wrong notion about the nature of relationships in BDSM, which has an emphasis on trust, negotiation, and mutual respect, and the drama or sensationalism that tends to be the media’s focus. Thus, it means that public perception can be both negatively and positively affected by how the media portrays BDSM.
On the one hand, it gives visibility to marginalized sexual practices and affords people the comfort with which they can explore more about their sexual identities. On the other hand, it risks perpetuating what are harmful stereotypes, mostly the idea that BDSM inherently involves manipulation or abuse. The portrayal of BDSM in media can also influence how people perceive power dynamics in their relationships, potentially normalizing unhealthy behaviors if not framed within a context of mutual consent and respect. Ultimately, the media’s influence underscores the importance of nuanced, accurate portrayals of BDSM that emphasize safety, consent, and healthy communication in all sexual relationships.
