Abstract
The research on the specifics of the sexual culture of young people in Kazakhstan is relevant due to the need for a holistic understanding of modern transformations of values, beliefs, standards, and behavioural patterns in this segment of public life in the country. The purpose of the research was to evaluate a fixation on the behavioural and value-normative characteristics of the sexuality of Kazakhstani youth. Such sociological approaches as structuralism and sociocultural analysis were used as the foundation of the theoretical and methodological research framework. To identify empirical indicators of the sexual culture of Kazakhstani youth, quantitative sociological research was conducted using the questionnaire survey method. As a result of theoretical work, it was identified that sexuality is a socio-cultural construct that includes the standards, values, and behavioural strategies of individuals in the intimate sphere. Within the framework of empirical reconnaissance on the example of Kazakhstani youth, specific substantive features were identified. Firstly, low involvement in sexual practices is recorded within the framework of behavioural patterns. The moderate role of sex in everyday life and average cognitive activity related to intimate experiences are recorded. It should be emphasised that when choosing a sexual partner, young Kazakhs put personal rather than status qualities in the first place. Secondly, in the structure of values, there is a special non-acceptance of abortion and homosexuality compared to European countries. The results of the research have practical significance for educational institutions to adapt and improve sexuality education in the country.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Data Availability
Datasets from this study are available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.
References
Arystanbek, A. (2022). Sex education (or the lack thereof) in Kazakhstan: Heteronormative propaganda in the curriculum of Özin Özi Tanu/Samopoznanie. Gender and Research, 22(2), 11–27. https://doi.org/10.13060/gav.2021.017
Atallah, S., & Redón, A. M. (2023). Relevant (sexual) aspects of cultural differences. In S. Geuens, A. P. Mivšek, & W. L. Gianotten (Eds.), Midwifery and Sexuality (pp. 271–281). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-18432-1_23
Bakytzhanova, A. A., & Imanbekova, B. I. (2021). Socio psychological problems arising from the pregnancy of underage girls. Bulletin Series of “Sociological and Political Sciences”, 72(4), 140–147. https://doi.org/10.51889/2020-4.1728-8940.20
Bureau of National Statistics. (2023). Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan by gender and type of locality (as of April 1, 2023). Retrieved from: https://stat.gov.kz/en/industries/social-statistics/demography/publications/40410/
Coleman, L. M., & Testa, A. (2008). Sexual health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours: Variations among a religiously diverse sample of young people in London, UK. Ethnicity and Health, 13(1), 55–72. https://doi.org/10.1080/13557850701803163
de Graaf, H., Mitchell, K., Clifton, S., Lara, M. F., Dewaele, A., Dupont, J., Klapilova, K., Lazdāne, G., Briken, P., Træen, B., Bajos, N., Ljungcrantz, D., & Kontula, O. (2023). Sex surveys in Europe: Reflections on over four decades of sexual behavior and sexual health surveillance. Journal of Sex Research, 60(7), 1020–1033. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2023.2222403
Doszhan, R. (2023). Multi-vector cultural connection in the conditions of modern globalisation. Interdisciplinary Cultural and Humanities Review, 2(1), 27–32. https://doi.org/10.59214/2786-7110-2023-2-1-27-32
Foucault, M. (1990). The history of sexuality, vol. 1: An introduction. Vintage.
Foucault, M. (2012). The history of sexuality, vol. 2: The use of pleasure. Vintage.
Giddens, A. (1993). The transformation of intimacy: Sexuality, love, and eroticism in modern societies. Stanford University Press.
Kabatova, K. (2022). Purity vs. safety: How Uyat undermines youth’s sexual literacy in Kazakhstan. In Uyat and the Culture of Shame in Central Asia (pp. 23–41). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-4328-7_3
Kabatova, K., & Marinin, S. (2018). Sexual education in the school system of the Republic of Kazakhstan: You cannot teach, be silent? Retrieved from: https://goo.su/ziK2SB
Kempińska, U., & Rudenko, M. (2019). Sexual culture of students in the educational space of higher education in Poland and Ukraine – Research message. International Journal of Pedagogy, Innovation and New Technologies, 6(1), 50–57. https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0013.2876
Kospakov, A. M., Kylyshbayeva, B. N., & Uyzbayeva, A. A. (2023). Social attitudes toward LGBT + in Kazakhstan. Journal of Psychology and Sociology, 83(4), 60–70. https://doi.org/10.26577/jpcp.2022.v82.i4.06
Li, M. N., Zhou, X., Cao, W., & Tang, K. (2022). Sexual assault and harassment (SAH) victimization disparities between sexual minority and heterosexual Chinese youth. Journal of Social Issues, 79(4), 1325–1344. https://doi.org/10.1111/josi.12511
Ludwig, J., Brunner, F., Wiessner, C., Briken, P., Gerlich, M. G., & von dem Knesebeck, O. (2023). Public attitudes towards sexual behavior – Results of the German health and sexuality survey (GeSiD). PLoS ONE, 18(3), e0282187. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0282187
Mazzuca, C., Borghi, A. M., van Putten, S., Lugli, L., Nicoletti, R., & Majid, A. (2023). Gender is conceptualized in different ways across cultures. Language and Cognition. https://doi.org/10.1017/langcog.2023.40
Nurtaza, A. A., Nagi, G. Z., & Mazhitova, P. A. (2021). The need of sex education in Kazakhstan. KAZGUU Liberal Arts Digest, 1, 119–134.
Osmonova, D., Talgarbekova, E., Tashtanbekova, M., Moldoshova, A., & Anastassiadi, A. (2023). Evolution of family relationship in Kyrgyzstan. Social and Legal Studios, 6(4), 155–163. https://doi.org/10.32518/sals4.2023.155
Rahman, Q., Xu, Y., Lippa, R. A., & Vasey, P. L. (2020). Prevalence of sexual orientation across 28 nations and its association with gender equality, economic development, and individualism. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 49(2), 595–606. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-019-01590-0
Saifnazarov, I., & Saifnazarova, F. (2023). Experience in addressing the gender issue in post-Soviet countries. Social and Legal Studios, 6(3), 143–152. https://doi.org/10.32518/sals3.2023.143
Telzhan, V. (2023). Socio-psychological aspects of sex education. Journal of Psychology and Sociology, 83(4), 81–88. https://doi.org/10.26577/jpcp.2022.v82.i4.08
Young, C. D., Taumoepeau, M. M., Hohmann-Marriott, B. E., Girling, J. E., & Bird, R. J. (2023). Sexual and reproductive health knowledges: A study with Pacific young people enrolled in an Aotearoa New Zealand tertiary institution. Culture, Health and Sexuality, 26(2), 265–283. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2023.2201356
Funding
The authors have not disclosed any funding.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflicts of Interest
The authors have stated explicitly that there are no conflicts of interest in connection with this article.
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Appendix A
Appendix A
Youth perspectives survey: Exploring attitudes and behaviours in Kazakh society
Question | Answers |
|---|---|
How do you primarily stay informed about politics and world events? | (a) TV |
(b) Internet | |
(c) Family discussions | |
(d) Talks with friends and relatives | |
(e) Social networks | |
(f) Other (please specify) | |
How often do you engage in physical activities as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle? | (a) Regularly, I exercise several times a week |
(b) Occasionally, I exercise sometimes when I have free time | |
(c) Rarely, I rarely engage in physical activities | |
(d) Never, I do not participate in physical activities | |
What is your primary activity during leisure time? | (a) Socializing with friends or family |
(b) Entertainment such as watching movies or browsing social media | |
(c) Pursuing personal development activities like self-education or work | |
(d) Other (please specify) | |
How comfortable do you feel discussing topics related to sex and relationships? | (a) Very comfortable, I am open to discussing these topics |
(b) Somewhat comfortable, but I prefer to keep it private | |
(c) Uncomfortable, I avoid discussing such topics | |
(d) Extremely uncomfortable, I strongly avoid any discussion on this topic | |
Which of the following values do you prioritize the most in your life? | (a) Self-esteem and personal confidence |
(b) Material well-being and social status | |
(c) Honesty and integrity | |
(d) Other (please specify) | |
How would you describe your relationship with religion? | (a) I am a devout follower of my religion |
(b) I identify with a religion but don’t strictly adhere to its teachings | |
(c) I am uncertain or indifferent about religion | |
(d) I am non-religious or atheist | |
How important do you consider marriage and starting a family in your life? | (a) Extremely important, it’s one of my top priorities |
(b) Important, but not a priority at the moment | |
(c) Neutral, I haven’t given it much thought | |
(d) Not important, I don’t plan to marry or have a family | |
To what extent do you involve your parents or elders in decision-making processes? | (a) I rely heavily on their input and guidance |
(b) I consider their opinions but make my own decisions | |
(c) I rarely involve them in my decision-making | |
(d) I don’t involve them at all; I make decisions independently | |
What is your primary motivation for pursuing higher education? | (a) To enhance my job prospects and career opportunities |
(b) To fulfil expectations from my family or society | |
(c) To gain knowledge and personal growth | |
(d) Other (please specify) | |
Who do you trust the most in your social circle? | (a) Family members |
(b) Close friends | |
(c) Neighbours or acquaintances | |
(d) Other (please specify) | |
How do you perceive the role of women in society? | (a) Women have sufficient rights and opportunities |
(b) There’s still room for improvement in gender equality | |
(c) Traditional gender roles should be maintained | |
(d) Other (please specify) | |
How satisfied are you with the level of democracy and equal rights in the country? | (a) Very satisfied |
(b) Somewhat satisfied | |
(c) Neutral | |
(d) Dissatisfied | |
How would you rate the overall development of the country? | (a) Good |
(b) Excellent | |
(c) Average | |
(d) Poor | |
Do you envision your future primarily in Kazakhstan or in another country? | (a) In Kazakhstan |
(b) In another country | |
(c) Undecided | |
Which geopolitical relationships do you believe are most important for Kazakhstan? | (a) Strengthening ties with neighbouring countries |
(b) Building alliances with global powers | |
(c) Maintaining neutrality in international affairs | |
(d) Other (please specify) |
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Sarsenova, A., Imanbayeva, S., Syzdykova, M. et al. Features of Development of Sexual Culture of Youth in Kazakhstan. Sexuality & Culture (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-024-10225-z
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-024-10225-z