Sex and Desire in Contemporary China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Sex and Desire in Contemporary China - Essay Example China is undergoing a complex evolution process in which modernization is significantly affecting the way the Chinese community interacts sexually. The rapid change in the economy and culture has altered the sexual relationships and desires in the society. This paper will critically analyze the changes on sex and desire during the reign of Mao Zedong and the contemporary society. Today, China has undergone various changes on their views on extramarital affairs. Adultery and behaviors associated with adultery were termed as byproducts of capitalism. However, adultery was only recognized as an offense when it was practiced by the woman (Sheridan 15). Mao Zedong was married to many wives; yet he routinely abused young girls from the peasant family. However, he recommended for severe punishment for any person who was caught practicing adultery. In the contemporary society, the globalization of the economy has led to the post-revolution sex liberation where the moral value of sexual relat ionship has been eroded. This means that the society has confusedly encoded the morals of sex and desires into the rapidly changing social and market economies of the country. Mao Zedong is known to have advocated for the rights of women in the Chinese society. However, he is known to have sexually abused many peasant girls during his rule (Bullough 34). According to his physician, Li Zhisui, Mao is known to have infected many peasant girls with various venereal diseases. Mao’s sexual desires were insatiable, and he is said to have sexually abused many young girls despite his polygamous marriage. This significantly promoted sexual immorality in the society. The men in the Chinese society sexually abuse the young girls in the society. However, today women have their rights in various issues including sexual matters. The contemporary society advocates for sexual satisfaction among the women. Furthermore, the law provides for the punishment of the sex offenders in the society. D uring the Imperial era, the woman was expected to be submissive and obedient to their fathers, elder brothers, husband and sons following the husband’s death. During Mao’s communist era, there was liberation and revolution of the role of the woman in the society (Bullough 12). In 1950, the Marriage Law was enacted by the People’s Republic of China (RPC). However, the law was not followed, and the role of women during this time was similar to that of the traditional Chinese society. Mao’s behavior and attitude towards women also contributed to the failure of this law. In the contemporary society, the society recognizes equal rights for both sexes. In addition, the law protects the interest of the woman in the society. During the time of Mao Zedong, same sex relationships were abolished and discouraged in the society. Mao, a communist who advocated for Marxist principle, termed homosexuality as products capitalism (Ruan 30). Homosexuals and lesbians were ex communicated from the communalist community due to their sexual preferences. In 1997, homosexuality was accepted in the society. In addition, since 2002 it is no longer recognized as a mental disorder. In the Chinese government, various officials, for example, Li Yinhe, is a supporter of the lesbian, transgender, gay and bisexual people in the society (Evans 56). Since 2003, the modern day Chinese government has proposed