Older Chinese men and women's experiences and understanding of sexuality

Abstract

This study explored the meaning of sexuality for older Chinese people from diverse backgrounds and the role of traditional Chinese cultural values in shaping sexual expression. A total of 20 Hong Chinese elders were interviewed. Most reported a rigid definition of sexual behaviour, confining it to heterosexual sexual intercourse. Kissing, hugging and caressing were not considered 'sexual', and same-sex relationships were virtually absent from respondents' conceptions of sexuality. Traditional patriarchal values in relation to sexuality prevailed. Men and women attached different meanings to sexuality. Neither believed that sex was enjoyable for women or that women needed sex in the same way as men. Female participants saw sex as part of their responsibility to procreate and to fulfill their husband's needs. Male participants considered sex to be important for fulfilling their physical drives. The lack of an appropriate partner due to widowhood, the partner's physical condition or a poor spousal relationship apparently accounted for the low levels of sexual activity reported by informants.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of elders about sexuality

“…[20,27] In fact, a majority of older persons report moderate to high levels of sexual interest well into their 60s, 70s and 80s. [28][29][30] In critically reviewing the literature regarding the link between knowledge and attitudes about elderly sexuality questioned the extent to which one's knowledge influences one's attitudes about later life sexuality.…”

Acculturation and language use in intimate and sexual relationships among Chinese bilinguals.

“…Neither Chinese women nor men believe that women should desire sex as much as men or that sex should be enjoyable and satisfactory for women (Yan et al, 2011). In an Asian study that included Chinese participants, Asian parents were generally more intolerant of their daughters' premarital sexual behaviors than sons'.…”

“…Chinese cultures have also traditionally held strong double standards for women and men's sexuality (Yan, Wu, Ho, & Pearson, 2011;Youn, 2001). Neither Chinese women nor men believe that women should desire sex as much as men or that sex should be enjoyable and satisfactory for women (Yan et al, 2011).…”

Ageing, sexuality and enhancement among Yoruba people in south western Nigeria

“…Cultural worldviews have an enormous influence on sexual orientation and the construction of morality (Greenberg, Bruss, and Haffner 2000;Nweneka 2007;Yan et al 2011). Norms as cultural products define what is desirable in life.…”

“…Sexuality is a complex phenomenon influenced by bio-psychosocial and cultural factors (Camacho and Reyes-Ortiz 2005;Tiefer 2006;Yan et al 2011). Cultural worldviews have an enormous influence on sexual orientation and the construction of morality (Greenberg, Bruss, and Haffner 2000;Nweneka 2007;Yan et al 2011).…”