Lebanese society is known for its conservative views towards romantic and sexual relations. This social norm has led to the prevalence of arranged marriages and the suppression of premarital sex within the country. Premarital sex, also known as extramarital sex, refers to consensual sexual activity between unwed partners outside of marriage. According to a survey conducted by the Lebanese Ministry of Interior and Municipalities in 2019, the majority of young adults aged 18-45 years old reported having engaged in premarital sex before getting married. While some studies have explored this phenomenon from a cultural perspective, few have addressed how religious framing affects sexual agency, relational decision-making, and identity formation among young adults.
Religious teachings are often cited as the primary source of moral guidance in Lebanon. The Quran states that adultery is a sin and warns against it in numerous verses.
There is no explicit prohibition of premarital sex in Islamic law. Similarly, Christian denominations such as Catholicism and Orthodoxy consider premarital sex as forbidden but do not explicitly discuss it in their scriptures. As a result, many young adults struggle with the conflicting messages they receive about premarital sex, leading them to seek alternative sources of knowledge and validation.
The stigma surrounding premarital sex in Lebanese society creates significant consequences for those who engage in it. Young people may face social isolation, family disapproval, and emotional distress. Religious institutions have traditionally played an integral role in shaping these attitudes, which makes them essential players in shifting societal norms regarding premarital sex.
This approach fails to address the complex realities of human sexuality, leading to misunderstandings and misconceptions that impact young adults' sexual behavior and identity.
Young adults who experience premarital sex may feel shame or guilt due to its religious connotations. This sense of stigma can lead to self-blame, low self-esteem, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
Some individuals may develop negative views towards themselves and others due to their experiences. They may also internalize traditional gender roles and expectations, believing that men are entitled to enjoy multiple partners while women should remain chaste until marriage. These beliefs can be harmful to both genders and perpetuate harmful power dynamics within romantic relationships.
To overcome these challenges, young adults must reframe how they view premarital sex and embrace their agency as individuals. By acknowledging the diverse forms of intimacy that exist outside of marriage, young people can reclaim control over their lives and make informed decisions about their relationships. Moreover, they can learn to communicate openly and honestly with their partners, creating safe spaces for exploration and growth without fear of judgment.
Lebanese society's view of premarital sex has created significant obstacles for young adults seeking to navigate their sexuality. Religious framing plays a critical role in shaping social norms and perceptions, yet it often fails to address the complexity of human sexuality. By embracing alternative perspectives on intimacy and identity formation, young people can take back control over their lives and build healthier relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.
How does religious framing of premarital sex in Lebanon affect sexual agency, relational decision-making, and identity formation among young adults?
The study by Zgheib (2017) investigated how young Lebanese Muslims' personal beliefs about premarital sex were formed. They found that these young people generally viewed premarital sex as "haram" (forbidden), but also recognized that it was widespread in their society.