Sexual Self-Concept, Intimate Relationships, and Relational Trust
The traditional values and belief systems of Nepalese society have been largely shaped by Hinduism and Buddhism, which place a great emphasis on maintaining chastity, purity, and modesty. These principles are reflected in many aspects of everyday life, including how individuals perceive themselves and their relationships. In this article, we will explore how these norms influence sexual self-concept, intimate relational behavior, and relational trust.
Sexual Self-Concept
Nepali cultural norms dictate that sexual activity is primarily for procreation and that premarital sex is considered shameful and immoral. This can lead to negative feelings about one's own body and sexual desires, particularly among women who may feel pressure to conform to societal expectations around virginity and gender roles.
The lack of open dialogue about sexual education means that many young people do not receive accurate information about safe sex practices or contraception, leading to increased risk of unplanned pregnancy and STIs.
Intimate Relationship Behavior
Intimacy is often seen as a taboo subject in Nepali culture, with physical contact between members of opposite genders outside of marriage frowned upon. As a result, there is limited opportunity for couples to build emotional intimacy and experience sexual pleasure without guilt or fear of judgment. While some progress has been made in recent years towards greater acceptance of premarital sex and LGBTQ+ rights, much still remains to be done in terms of normalizing healthy sexual expression within committed relationships.
Relational Trust
The emphasis on chastity and modesty also extends to relationships, where trust is closely tied to faithfulness and exclusivity. Infidelity is generally viewed as a betrayal of the relationship and can have serious consequences, including social stigma and loss of family honor.
This can create an atmosphere of distrust and secrecy, making it difficult for partners to communicate openly and honestly about their needs and desires.
Nepali religious norms surrounding sexuality and intimacy can create barriers to healthy relationships and positive self-image. To address these issues, it will require a cultural shift toward more open and inclusive attitudes towards sexuality, as well as improved access to education and resources around sexual health and consent.
How do Nepali religious norms influence sexual self-concept, intimate relational behavior, and relational trust?
Nepalese culture is known for its rich and unique cultural traditions and practices which have been passed down from generation to generation. In terms of religion, most people living in Nepal are Hindu by faith. The majority of these individuals believe that sex and marriage should be confined within the boundaries of marriage only and should not be engaged in outside of this institution.