Religious teachings have always played an important role in shaping Indian society's attitudes towards premarital sexual behaviour. In India, premarital sex is considered taboo and is often frowned upon by both families and communities.
There are some exceptions to this rule, such as when it occurs within marriage or between couples who plan to marry soon. This is because these types of sexual encounters are seen as natural and acceptable forms of physical intimacy before marriage. The Hindu religion believes that sexual activity should be reserved for after marriage, while Islam discourages premarital sex altogether. Christianity also condemns premarital sex but allows it under certain circumstances, such as if both partners intend to get married.
These religious beliefs can influence how people view marital and extramarital sexuality.
Those who believe in abstinence until marriage may feel more comfortable engaging in sex once they're married because it aligns with their values. Those who don't subscribe to such views might feel more open about having multiple sexual partners or experimenting with different types of sex. In addition, some religions encourage monogamy, which could lead to individuals being uncomfortable exploring other options outside of marriage.
One major factor contributing to this issue is the age at which Indians become sexually active. In India, many young adults lose their virginity during adolescence or early adulthood, which means they haven't yet learned about safe sex practices or contraception. As a result, teenage pregnancies and STIs are common among this demographic. To combat this problem, Indian society needs to work towards educating its youth on healthy sexual relationships and providing access to quality education regarding birth control methods.
Despite these challenges, there are signs that attitudes towards premarital sex are changing in India. Younger generations are more likely than older ones to engage in casual dating and intimate physical activities before marriage without stigma or judgment. This trend could eventually lead to greater acceptance of non-conventional sexual behavior within marriages, making way for couples to explore new kinds of intimacy together.
While religious teachings play an important role in shaping attitudes towards premarital sexual behavior, modernisation and globalization are also influencing change across Indian society.
How do religious teachings in India shape attitudes toward premarital sexual behavior, and how does this influence marital and extramarital sexuality?
Religious teachings have played an important role in shaping attitudes towards premarital sexual behavior in India, which has had a significant impact on marital and extramarital sexuality. Hinduism is one of the most widely practiced religions in India, and it emphasizes celibacy before marriage and fidelity within marriage.