Chinese Pinyin - Sex and relations (for study purpose) - Page 2 -

> Chinese Culture > Art and Literature
Sex and relations (for study purpose)
Home New Posts

Login: Pass: Log in or register for standard view and full access.





Page 2 of 2 < 1 2






yonitabonita -

It's possible that China Pop might be outdated, but then again, if you're interested in taking a
look at the historical development angle, it could be of use. I was interested in seeing the
historical development of sexual attitudes from Mao to current day China, so all books on the
topic were of interest to me regardless of dates.

Looking at advertising, magazine covers, billboards, TV ads would be an obvious way to go. If your
Chinese is up to it, a discourse analysis of Chinese Cosmo or other women's magazines would tell
you a whole lot about sex and sexuality in contemporary China. How do they describe the 'it' girl.
The consistent reference to 'sexiness' being the aim of womanhood suggests a whole lot too. Ditto
with men's magazines.

The topic : "Sex and Relations in China" strikes me as seriously broad and one that you could
write several PhDs about. What do you mean by 'sex', and 'relations', and 'China'? I don't mean to
sound like a Pol Sci 101 ass, but I think that you need to narrow these terms before you can get
something useful.

Just some thoughts.

Y



Pleco Software Learn Chinese with our Dictionaries for Palm and Pocket PC.
Learn Chinese in China Learn to speak Chinese 1MonthChinese.com -Mandarin School in China.
Chinese Textbooks Wide range, cheap, varied languages. Also Chinese cartoons, toys, gifts.
Study Chinese in Beijing Affordable Mandarin language courses at BLCU with ChinaUnipath.com.
HNHSoft Dictionary Learn Chinese on Smartphone and PDA with real person's voice.
XueXueXue IQChinese Get beyond the plateau.Take your Mandarin to a new level.
Chinese in Lijiang Short term Chinese study in a beautiful town with a focus on daily life.
MandarinTube Chinese Access to current everyday Chinese language and culture, 24/7.
Learn Chinese Homestay Chinese course, cultural activities & volunteer events in China.
Learn Chinese Online 1-on-1 instant tutoring, diverse courses, native teachers. FREE trial now!
Nihao Chinese Progam Free one-on-one Chinese lesson. Win 5-years of free lessons now!


About Ads (and how to hide them) -- Your message here









jonaspony -

yeah... yonitabonita is right, a little definition of the topic would be handy.

Do you want to talk about the media's representation of the subject or the actual siuation? You
seem to be looking to rural China, so the media doesn't represent that reality. As far as the
relationship between sex and marriage goes, there was a large study by Higgins et al, Sex Roles,
Vol. 46, Nos. 3/4, February 2002, comparing UK and Chinese students' opinions. If you can't get a
copy I could email you one.


J










Qiuyue -

Thanks again folks!

Of course its a topic broad for enough for a dissertation. So are all topics. And some are even
too broad
The seminar will not be so academic, however. And it will be an opportunity for foreigners in
China to reflect on their own experiences in this matter.










madizi -

For a history of sex, see 'Sexual Life in Ancient China' by R. H. van Gulik. I think that although
it was written in 60s, you can still find some useful info for your topic. At least for
"Introduction" section of your seminar.










Justin Goldberg -

I think some Americans probably feel enlightened by the more open, less puritanical attitudes
about sexuality in Asia, eg. that sex is natural and enjoyable and a basic part of life and
health*; on the other hand there's also widespread restlessness and jumping from partner to
partner and a rebellion against the marriage for life ideal.

* is that right?










gato -



Quote:

I think some Americans probably feel enlightened by the more open, less puritanical attitudes
about sexuality in Asia, eg. that sex is natural and enjoyable and a basic part of life and
health*;

* is that right?

No, you are thinking of Holland.










jonaspony -

Quote:
I think some Americans probably feel enlightened by the more open, less puritanical attitudes
about sexuality in Asia, eg. that sex is natural and enjoyable and a basic part of life and
health*; - (can someone tell me how to make a quote box?)

Yes, yes, and but.... Are the two so mutually exclusive? If you study sexuality in China you will
find apparent contradictions. On a hutong wall in Beijing you might see a hand painted poster
encouraging women to assist in the husband's sexual health by regularly exercising the organ. The
Chinese are not necessarily 'puritanical' - after all, the word refers to the puritan forefathers
of the USA (and their friends in England). Certainly, they have been marriage centred, but because
of different causal factors.

If anything, the Chinese are more calculating about sexuality, more matter of fact in many ways.
Much of that is driven by sustained poverty. The means by which family wealth is divided, and
therefore dissipated, must be carefully controlled to avert disaster.

And, I find, Chinese women, particularly, are aware of the health benefits of intimacy - and that
this is in no way exclusively linked to sex. Same-sex friendships and provide a good deal of
intimacy. And, if you can imagine this or simply accept it, some of that intimacy is on a really
very deep, creative and sensual non-sexual basis. (Are you wondering what I mean and how I know?)

Personally, I think that the Chinese view of sex is, by and large, more complex, more reasonable
(in terms of its being 'part of life and health'), more economically sound, and more viable in
terms of the continuation of a cohesive society. The enormous underclass of prostitutes which has
emerged illustrates both the flexibility of the Chinese mind regarding sex and, unfortunately, the
sad fact that sex is not always good for the health. Real bummer way to finish... but there you go.










gato -



Quote:

And, if you can imagine this or simply accept it, some of that intimacy is on a really very deep,
creative and sensual non-sexual basis. (Are you wondering what I mean and how I know?)

I think Bill Clinton knows.










madizi -

Yea, jonaspony, I agree. It seems that only European culture had (and still has) problems with
sex. But this is because of its history after the fall of Roman Empire.












All times are GMT +8. The time now is 05:24 PM.














Learn Chinese, Chinese language, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet