Debate Guide: Child sexualisation and objectification

If kids are constantly having sex, what is to stop them interpreting every relationship as sexual, and most dangerously, believing that they must act sexually to please adults, or that they are only valued as sex objects?

So what if adults are "constantly having sex" with each other (however that is defined)? One false assumption of this argument is that we will be faced with an orgiastic tidal wave of sexual arousal, gratification and depravity, if younger people are given as much as minimal rights and agency. If this is not the case for fully emanipated adults today, what reason can your opponent provide to suggest that it would be the case for younger people tomorrow? All this argument's airing proves is the paranoid psychology of your opponent, in that they assume, of all emotions and experiences, sexuality will be the ultimate "force" that "poisons" or "takes over" all of a minor's relationships. This is of course, nonsensical and nothing but tacit admission of so-called "normal/healthy" sexuality among minors.

This argument is also nonsensical because it is built upon the assumption that the success of a sexually bonded adult - minor coupling is only to be judged against a sexual standard. This article goes into detail about that rather basic flaw in thinking about concepts that are alien to the beholder.

Is "sex" objectifying?

There are also problems with conceptualizing "sexual" relations as especially 'objectifying'. All this appears to demonstrate is sex-negativity or erotophobia in your opponent; the will by one political constituency in society to seize upon a positive evaluation of an individual's relationship and reinterpret it as vicious and shameful.

On many issues (including sex but also economics, religion, and platonic relationships) people are also obligated to others first and themselves second. Nevertheless, in the modern world, one could say that minors in particular need to be taught to operate by their own judgment and in their own interests first and foremost. They must be taught that all adults are fallible, and that they have an obligation (to themselves) to question the motives and judgment of others if the need arises. If each partner respects the other's self-worth, rational self-interest will lead them to work together with an enthusiasm not otherwise possible.

Finally, if sex objectifies, just how many other things else can? If sex objectifies because of its seductive power, then why are we problematising it as something negative and not only forbidding certain people access to sexual outlet with partners of their choice, but hiding from sight the sexual meanings that will allow them to deal with this power?

See also

• Sexualisation - a fundamental flaw in the concept.
• Text of Human Rights and the denial of sexual freedom - Anti-erotophobic text.