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Akkerman, Sofie (2026)

Private Desires, Public Pressures: Societal Expectations and Youth Sexuality in South Korea

Bachelor thesis | Koreastudies (BA)
This thesis explores how societal expectations and beliefs shape the sexual behaviours, experiences, and expressions of South Korean youths aged 19 to 26. A qualitative study was conducted using online survey responses from eighteen South Korean individuals. Thematic analysis produced four major themes: 1) attitudes towards (appropriate) sexual activity; 2) limited dialogue: prevents sexual enrichment; 3) sexual and social conformity; and 4) gender: affected sexual experiences. Findings strongly support the theoretical perspectives of conservatism and sexual double standards in South Korea, where peer dynamics and attitudes towards sexual intercourse and sexual behaviours restrict dialogue and open sexual expression. The research contributes to existing literature by offering deeper insight into the internalisation of societal expectations.
South Korea
Societal expectations
Sexuality
Sexual behaviour
Youths
Author
Akkerman, Sofie
Faculty
Faculty of Humanities
Supervisors
Park, J.H.
ECTS Credits
10
Language
en