The history of sexual ethics, premarital conduct, and relational norms in China is complex, diverse, and multifaceted. In general terms, traditional Chinese thought has emphasized the importance of maintaining social harmony and avoiding excessive individual desires, including those related to sex.
The specific ways in which these ideas were translated into practice varied widely across time and place, depending on factors such as regional culture, political context, and religious beliefs.
In the early stages of Confucianism, for example, sexual morality was largely understood within the framework of familial obligations and filial piety. Men were expected to marry and produce children to continue their family lineage, while women were valued primarily as mothers and wives who could provide support for their husbands' families. Monogamy was generally accepted as the norm, although some individuals may have engaged in extramarital affairs without serious consequences.
Daoism, which emerged in the sixth century BCE, presented a more nuanced view of sexuality, emphasizing the importance of balance and moderation rather than strict adherence to moral rules. Daoist teachings suggested that men should seek pleasure from their partners but also be mindful of their health and well-being. Women were seen as sexual objects whose primary role was to satisfy male desire, but they were also praised for their beauty and ability to bring joy to their partners.
Buddhism arrived in China during the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE), introducing new concepts of chastity and celibacy. Buddhist monks and nuns were expected to abstain from all forms of sensual pleasure, including sex, and this ideal of self-control extended to lay people as well. Some scholars argue that this contributed to a rise in virginity ideals among elite women, who sought to demonstrate their moral purity by withholding themselves from physical intimacy until marriage.
These values did not necessarily translate into real-world practice, as many people continued to engage in premarital sex outside the auspices of marriage or arranged marriages.
The arrival of Islam in China in the seventh century CE brought a renewed focus on sexual morality, particularly through the lens of prohibition. The Quran explicitly forbids premarital sex, adultery, and homosexual behavior, and Muslim communities in China adopted similar attitudes toward these practices. Chinese law enforcement officials often persecuted Muslims for violating these taboos, leading to conflicts between the two cultures.
In more recent history, Communist rule has emphasized socialist ideals over religious teachings. The Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) banned many traditional religious beliefs and practices, including Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. While some aspects of these traditions have been revived since then, they remain heavily regulated by the government and subject to criticism from political authorities. As a result, modern Chinese society displays a wide range of attitudes towards sex and relationships, influenced both by traditional teachings and contemporary norms.
How have Chinese religious teachings historically structured sexual ethics, premarital sexual conduct, and intimate relational norms?
Religious teachings from China have shaped sexuality in various ways throughout history. These include moral codes that governed the proper behavior of women and men during courtship and marriage, as well as rituals that were performed to ensure fertility and procreation. In general, Chinese culture has placed great emphasis on familial bonds, filial piety, and social harmony, which influenced how people thought about relationships between men and women.