There are significant cultural differences between the East and the West regarding attitudes toward sex, shaped by history, social customs, religious beliefs, and values. Below are some of the key differences in attitudes toward sex in Eastern and Western cultures:
1. Gender Roles and Views on Gender
• Western: In Western societies (especially in Europe and North America), gender roles are generally more flexible and open, with an emphasis on gender equality and individual freedom. In many Western cultures, women’s sexual desires and sexual autonomy are increasingly recognized. The boundaries of gender roles are becoming more blurred, especially in relationships outside of marriage, where women’s status is often equal to that of men. Gender diversity and acceptance of LGBTQ+ communities are also more widespread in Western cultures.
• China: Traditionally, Chinese culture has more defined gender roles, with men often seen as the dominant figures in family and society. Women’s sexual desires have typically been repressed or ignored. Although modern Chinese society has increasingly acknowledged gender equality, traditional views on gender still influence how gender is understood and expected, especially among older generations. Women’s sexual autonomy and expression are often more conservative and discreet in Chinese society, and sexrelated topics are often considered taboo.
2. Sex and Marriage
• Western: In Western societies, sex is considered an important part of both marriage and romantic relationships, but it is not necessarily confined to marriage. Modern Western culture views sexual activity not just as a means for reproduction, but also for emotional and physical satisfaction. Premarital sex is widely accepted in many Western countries, and extramarital affairs and open relationships have become increasingly common in certain cultures.
• China: Traditionally, Chinese culture emphasized that sexual activity should be within the confines of marriage and is primarily for the purpose of procreation. While attitudes toward premarital sex have become more relaxed, particularly in larger cities, extramarital affairs are still generally considered immoral, and sex is closely tied to marriage and family in many regions.
3. Sex Education
• Western: Western countries, especially in Europe and North America, tend to have more open and comprehensive sex education. Sex education goes beyond biological facts to include topics like gender, sexual orientation, consent, and emotional relationships. Adolescents typically receive wellrounded sex education to help them understand sexual health, emotional wellbeing, and the importance of personal boundaries. Western sex education emphasizes autonomy and sexual rights.
• China: Traditionally, sex education in China has been limited, and many schools and families are reluctant to discuss sex. While sex education has improved in recent years, especially in urban areas, it remains a sensitive topic. The education often focuses on biological knowledge rather than emotional, sexual orientation, or relationship aspects. Many older generations may not have received formal sex education.
4. Views on Sexual Desire
• Western: In many Western cultures, sexual desire is seen as a normal and natural human need. Expressing sexual desire is not considered immoral, and sexuality is often portrayed in advertising, movies, and media. Western culture encourages individual freedom, and sexual expression is generally not met with harsh judgment.
• China: In traditional Chinese culture, sexual desire is often more repressed, and discussing it publicly is considered inappropriate. Sexual desire is viewed as a private matter, and women’s sexual desire is often less openly acknowledged. In some traditional views, sex is seen more as a marital responsibility rather than a personal need, especially for women.
5. Sexual Openness and Moral Views
• Western: Western cultures tend to be more open and accepting of sexual exploration, especially in modern society. Views on sex have evolved to be more inclusive and diverse, and behaviors such as extramarital sex, open relationships, and sex work are increasingly accepted and legalized in some countries. Sexual activity is seen as part of personal freedom, and consensual sexual behavior between adults is generally not viewed as immoral.
• China: Traditional Chinese culture is more conservative about sexual openness, and sex is closely associated with moral values, family, and social responsibilities. Extramarital affairs, sex work, and nonnormative sexual behaviors are still viewed as immoral or socially unacceptable by many. While attitudes are slowly changing, particularly among younger generations, traditional views remain dominant in many areas of society.
6. Religious and Cultural Influences
• Western: Western attitudes toward sex have been influenced by Christianity, which historically emphasized chastity, especially for women, and sexual activity within marriage. However, in modern Western culture, the influence of Christianity on sexual norms has decreased, leading to more liberal views on sex, personal autonomy, and sexual freedom.
• China: Traditional Confucian culture has had a significant impact on sexual behavior, emphasizing "propriety" (li) and moral conduct. Religious beliefs, such as those from Buddhism and Taoism, have been more accepting of sexuality, but Chinese culture still tends to have a more conservative stance on sex, particularly in relation to family, marriage, and gender norms.
