Perceptions of sexuality differ around the world

From Russia to Thailand, France to Saudi Arabia, different cultures perceive sexuality in different ways.

In the United States, the societal perception of sex varies drastically from other parts of the world.

European students reiterated this idea. As international students, they believe they experience a more sexual environment back home compared to the United States.

Italian psychology graduate student Violetta Gatti said she can see the differences between countries after traveling around the world. She said the sexual culture in Italy is more exposed and vulgar.

"Anytime you watch television, it is there," Gatti said.

Gatti said even in a religious country with strong moral convictions, sexuality is prevalent.

French mass communication graduate student Charlotte Dupenloup said the concept of dating is not present in French culture like it is in the States. In France, romance, and sex are generally more spontaneous.

"I don't like this concept of dating here," Dupenloup said. "Back home, we just have sex and see what happens from there."

But both Dupenloup and Gatti said they value Southern charm.

"Most guys in Italy spend too much time talking about themselves," Gatti said. "Here, there is more focus on the girl. I prefer this approach."

Russia, sandwiched between sexually open and conservative countries, appears to have a perception of sexuality similar to the U.S., according to Olga Verbovaya, social work graduate student. She said for some people, sex is an act of emotional and physical closeness, but for others it's just fun. She said young people tend to be more careless about sex.

"Just like in the U.S., sex is used for manipulation by the mass media and politics [in Russia]," Verbovaya said.

No matter how negative it may be portrayed, sex is still an important factor in Russian culture and an important aspect to relationships, she said. She said things are not as censored in Russia as they are in the U.S., making it more common to accept sexuality.

Verbovaya said Russian ideas about sex are becoming more similar to that of Americans, and she doesn't like how the sexual culture in Russia is degrading into something frivolous.

"American values, including sexual values and culture, are still being established," Verbovaya said. "Russia has a rich history, and it's almost gone."

In biochemistry doctoral student Sunyana Mitra's native India, public displays of sexuality are not allowed. She said her country is far more conservative, and sex is a taboo subject.

"There is no discussion of sexuality," Mitra said. "Sexuality is not a dominant factor in our culture."

Even though the Indian culture is famous for the Kama Sutra, an ancient Indian Hindu text about human sexuality, Mitra said she believes the meaning was lost along the way.

Mitra said she likes the freedom to display sexuality openly, but she believes America is too open in comparison to India.

Saudi Arabian culture is similar to Indian culture when it comes to sexuality. Akram Albarghouti, Saudi Arabian petroleum engineering senior, said sex is not considered an appropriate topic of conversation in his country.

"Culturally, a couple would have a bad reputation if they had pre-marital sex," he said. "Sex is considered to be only for marriage."

He said there are no limitations with sexuality in the States, and he prefers the U.S. over Saudi Arabia because of the openness.

"Open sexuality is good, but only to an extent," Albarghouti said. 

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Contact Lauren Duhon at lduhon@lsureveille.com