Journal Articles

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

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Title:
Older Chinese men and women's experiences and understanding of sexuality
Authors:
Source:
Culture, Health and Sexuality, 13(9), 983-999, 2011
Publisher:
Routledge
Year Published:
2011
Education Categories:
- Q Philosophy of Education, Educational System & School At Different Levels
  - QG Adult, Lifelong & Continuing Education
    - QGD Elder Education
Region:
- Hong Kong
Period:
- 1997.7 onwards
Level:
- Unknown or Unspecified
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.
[Copyright of Culture, Health and Sexuality is the property of Routledge. Full article may be available at the publisher's website:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2011.605471]
Language:
- English
Document Type:
Journal Articles
ISSN:
- 13691058
DOI:
- 10.1080/13691058.2011.605471
Permalink:
https://bibliography.lib.eduhk.hk/bibs/3b6c6cd3
Entry Date:
2014-10-28