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