In Nepal, traditional beliefs about religion heavily impact sexual behavior and attitudes towards sex. Nepalis view sex as an essential aspect of their lives that has numerous physical and psychological benefits for both individuals and couples.
These beliefs also create social expectations that have influenced Nepali cultural values, including marriage customs, family structures, gender roles, and how people relate to each other romantically. In particular, religious norms play a crucial role in shaping Nepali sexual self-concepts, premarital intimacies, and relational trust.
Sexual Self-Concept
Nepali sexual self-concept is strongly influenced by religious teachings and values. The Hindu religion promotes chastity and celibacy as spiritual practices, while Buddhist and Christian teachings emphasize self-control and modesty regarding sexual desires. These principles are deeply ingrained into society's consciousness, affecting individuals' perceptions of themselves, their bodies, and what they find erotic or attractive. As such, many Nepalis grow up believing that sex outside of marriage is wrong or unacceptable, which can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or embarrassment around sexual activity. This may result in low sexual confidence, anxiety about performance, and difficulty communicating needs or boundaries with partners.
Premarital Intimacy
Religious beliefs shape how Nepalis approach premarital intimacy and relationships.
Many families discourage dating or courting before marriage due to concerns over honor, morality, and social stigma. Instead, arranged marriages are common, where parents choose partners based on factors like caste, education, wealth, and compatibility.
This arrangement can leave little time for couples to explore their physical and emotional connection before committing to a lifelong relationship. As a result, some individuals may enter marriage without fully understanding each other's sexual preferences, leading to difficulties in the bedroom.
Trust
Religious norms influence how Nepalis build trust in romantic relationships. Many view trust as essential for healthy relationships, but it requires open communication, honesty, and vulnerability. In Nepali culture, these qualities may be seen as signs of weakness or a lack of strength, particularly among men.
Women's limited agency and independence may prevent them from expressing their desires or speaking out against harmful behaviors. These cultural norms can create misunderstandings and mistrust between partners, affecting overall relationship satisfaction and longevity.
How do Nepali religious norms influence sexual self-concept, premarital intimacy, and relational trust?
The traditional social structure of Nepal is based on Hinduism, which has a strong influence on various aspects of life, including marriage and relationships. The concept of caste determines who can marry whom, and it is considered taboo for a couple from different castes to enter into a romantic relationship. Therefore, marriage within one's caste group is highly encouraged.