Social and ethical determinants of sexuality: 4. Sexuality and families

ABSTRACT

Objectives To investigate the evolving relationship between sexuality and family formation. New family units exist today whose impact on society needs to be explored.

Methods For each main area researched (anthropology, biology, sociology, sexology, ethics) we identified articles dealing with family formation, sexuality and reproduction using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google, religious websites and texts.

Results The three monotheistic religions and the cultures derived from these have considered sexuality as focused on reproduction. Presently, sexuality has acquired new dimensions, independent from reproduction, as contraception and IVF have separated procreation and sexuality. Thus, the very concept of family has been expanded and so- called ‘unusual families’ have proved not to be a danger per se for children born and raised within them.

Conclusions Human sexuality has moved away from having a purely reproductive function, but remains a powerful bond keeping families together, irrespective of the gender identity and the biological links of their members. Even among traditional societies, different types of families exist and the situation has become more complex as technical developments have made parenthood possible for people who in the past were excluded from it.

KEYWORDS:

• Family
• Assisted reproductive technology
• Homosexuality
• Human reproduction
• Sexuality
• Religious ethics

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and the writing of the paper.