Patterns of Sexual Activity in China and the United States

Abstract

Chinese sexuality has undergone distinct changes throughout its history. In ancient times the general stance toward sexual behavior and attitudes was open and somewhat permissive. That stance moved increasingly toward a negative and repressive outlook that continued into the latter part of the twentieth century. It has only been since about the 1990s that sexuality has become part of the public discourse and social life in China. The country’s Open Door Policy and subsequent introduction to Western ideals concerning romantic love coupled with a relaxation of social controls have led to a dramatic shift in perceptions on sexuality. In fact, several scholars agree that China is undergoing a sexual revolution (Bullough and Ruan 1994; Pan 1993; Parish et al. 2007a). This shift has been manifested primarily in the expression of sex as a pleasure-seeking behavior rather than as an act undertaken solely for the purpose of childbearing. As such, tolerance toward the expression of sexuality, increased gender equality in the form of the acceptance of female sexuality, and the importance of sexual satisfaction within marriage have become much more commonplace in modern China (Higgins et al. 2002; Pan 1993).