Attitudes towards sexual behaviour of British born Chinese teenagers.

Abstract

This thesis examines attitudes towards sexual behaviour of British bom Chinese teenagers and what factors influence them. An ethnographic approach is used to explore these issues. It is based on ethnographic interviews with 20 British bom Chinese teenagers and 20 parents. The literature on teenage sexual attitudes and behaviour and young Chinese people in Britain is critically reviewed. The influences of family, ethnicity, friends and school sex education are identified as important factors. However, little is known about the processes of these influences and there are no such studies of British bom Chinese teenagers. The review of previous research concludes that a holistic qualitative approach to the study of teenage sexual attitudes and behaviour, including both genders of teenagers and parents, is needed. Due to the lack of such studies of British bom Chinese teenagers and the Chinese background of the researcher, the study focuses on exploring these issues in this group of teenagers. Qualitative data analysis assisted by NUD*IST software provides rich insights into social influences on the teenagers. The conservative view of sexual behaviour is dominant. The influences of family, Chinese ethnicity, friends and sex education at school are illustrated and discussed in turn. Analysis shows the complexity of these influences, which affect the teenagers in various ways. Parental sexual values, influenced by Chinese culture and religion, have a profound impact on the teenagers. The parents use various strategies to pass on these values to their children. Friendship similarity in sexual values and behaviour is apparent, but differences between Chinese/church friends and Scottish/non-church friends are highlighted. School sex education provides the teenagers with accurate sexual knowledge, of which they acquire little from their parents or friends. The conclusion highlights the value of the holistic qualitative approach in the understanding of social influences on teenage sexual values and behaviour. The implications of the study suggest that it is important for school sex education, health promotion and sexual behaviour counselling to be sensitive to cultural and family norms and values.