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Sex Industry and Cultural Attitudes in China
Jul 10, 2024
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
Control Over Sexual Content
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
Attitudes Towards Sex and Sexuality
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
Technology and dating Among Modern Chinese
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
Marriage Customs and Social Pressure
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
Socio-political Control over Personal Lives
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
Recreational Activities and Daily Life
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
Conclusion and Reflections
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
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