[Letters] Changing the male-oriented sex culture

The most important challenge in sex crime prevention is improving society’s attitude toward sex. According to the Korean Women’s Development Institute research in 2009, youngsters in their 20s have free sexual awareness and activity, but are poorly prepared to respond to the responsibilities and risks.

According to research, more than 40 percent of men in their 20s watch pornographic material more than twice a week. Including those who watch the material more than twice a month, the figure went up to over 80 percent. Because the sexual depictions of women in such materials were extremely unrealistic, women’s rights activists see them as infringement upon women’s character.

Of men between the ages of 25 to 30, 44.8 percent said they had an experience with sex trafficking. Most young men learn about sex through pornography and are purchasing sexual services.

Sexual violence among young people is also a serious problem. Among the women aged between 25 to 30, 15.4 percent said they were forced to have sexual activities by their boyfriends and another 6.6 percent said they were forced by familiar people around them.

Activists point out that a male-oriented and distorted sex culture, along with gender discrimination, which sees women as sexual objects are the reasons behind sexual violence.

To improve the situation, society needs to educate people to respect partners in sexual contact and show responsibility. Righteous sexual standards need to be stressed even further.

In traditional society, sexual relationships are often led by men, while women play passive roles. But in a modern society, women no longer feel comfortable with nor do they desire such a culture.

Openly discussing the difference in sexual perceptions between men and women and realistic sex education are crucial to end the male-oriented sex culture pervasive today. It is also important to narrow down the gap between men and women. It is important to recognize what the partners dislike.

by Lee Mi-jung Senior researcher for the Korean Women’s Development Institute