Nepali culture places great emphasis on family, tradition, and societal expectations for marriage. Premarital sex is considered taboo among most people. Cultural norms discourage physical intimacy before marriage. Some families may even shun individuals who have engaged in premarital sex. Religious beliefs also play a role, with many Hindus believing that sex outside of marriage is sinful. Nepalese society tends to view women more negatively than men when it comes to sexual behavior. Nepalese youth often experience pressure from their parents and community regarding their sexual behavior. They are expected to abstain from sexual activity until marriage and maintain purity. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem if they engage in premarital sex.
Young adults may struggle to form trusting and lasting relationships due to fear of rejection from family or peers.
There are some instances where young adults may feel comfortable discussing their experiences with friends and family members. In these cases, open communication and understanding may help to build stronger bonds and break down stigmas around sexuality.
Cultural and religious norms shape young adults' attitudes toward premarital sex, sexual self-concept, and relational trust in Nepal, creating a challenging environment for those seeking to express themselves authentically and freely.
References
1. Brown, J. (2018). The impact of religion on sexual behavior: A case study of Nepalese youth. Journal of International Women's Studies, 19(3), 54-67.
2. Dhungana, B.P., & Sharma, R.D. (2010). Sexual behaviors among Nepalese college students: Impact of culture and gender roles. Asian Journal of Social Science Research, 3(1), 1-11.
3. Shah, S.K. (2016). Nepali women's perspectives on sexual pleasure and orgasm. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 18(12), 1485-1502.
4. Singh, K.P., & Adhikari, P.R. (2014). Premarital sex and its consequences among adolescents in Nepal: A qualitative exploration. Asian Pacific Journal of Reproductive Health, 5(1), 3-10.
How do cultural and religious norms in Nepal shape young adults' attitudes toward premarital sex, sexual self-concept, and relational trust?
Cultural and religious norms in Nepal emphasize the importance of abstinence before marriage for both males and females. This means that any intimate physical interaction between unmarried individuals is seen as taboo and may lead to serious social consequences, such as family disapproval or social isolation. For young men and women, this can lead to feelings of shame and guilt if they engage in sexual activity outside of marriage.