Sex Industry and Cultural Attitudes in China

Overview of the Sex Industry

Existence of a strict legal framework in Mainland China concerning sex work
- Prostitution under tight police control
- Discovery of pornographic material can lead to legal actions
- Prostitution officially illegal but prevalent culturally
Difference in legality and openness between Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau
- Hong Kong and Macau have legal brothels
- Example: 24-story brothel in Hong Kong with sex workers from various countries
Various categories of sex workers in China
- From luxury escorts to street-level prostitutes
- Use of disguised venues like hotels and hair salons
The problem of young girls being trapped in the industry due to passport confiscation

Mainland China’s control over sexual content: restricted internet searches for pornography
- Internet search engines like Baidu replacing porn searches with educational articles
- All pornographic sites are blocked; only accessible via VPN
Possession of porn can lead to police intervention if found on someone's phone
Illegality of porn production but limited tolerance of viewing

Contrast between urban and rural attitudes
- Urban areas like Shanghai display more liberal attitudes
- Rural areas maintain traditional views where males are dominant
- Standards of beauty and sexualization vary: Urban areas emphasize modern, often Westernized standards (e.g., white skin, large eyes)
Taboo surrounding sex discussions
- Lack of sex education from family members; reliance on schools
- Gradual but late introduction of sexual education in schools
Misconceptions about sex and protection among young people

Use of dating and hook-up apps
- Separated by purpose: dating or casual sex
Influence of Western values through media and increased communication with foreigners
- Differing attitudes towards pre-marital sex and relationships among generations

The tradition of arranged marriages still exists in some families, particularly in rural areas
- Parents play an active role in selecting spouses for their children
- Example of matchmaking gatherings in parks
Social expectations towards men and women in relationships
- Divorce stigma; society typically sides with men
- Urban vs. rural differences in gender roles during marriage

Extensive state surveillance over personal lives
- Use of technology to monitor activities (phones, internet, public cameras)
- Strict consequences for drug use
- Reporting societal misconduct through technology

Popularity of dining out as a form of social activity
- Historical context of food scarcity influencing current cultural values
Lesser emphasis on public displays of affection
- Different cultural perceptions of eroticism and modesty
Controlled substance usage and strict drug laws
- Historical context of opium wars influencing current strict regulation

Rapid economic growth and urbanization lead to a blend of traditional and modern cultures in China
- Differences between generations in adopting Western norms
The Chinese government’s significant role in regulating and guiding societal behavior
- Managing social harmony and moral standards