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premarital coitus

sexual behavior
Also known as: premarital sex

Quick Summary

Premarital coitus refers to sexual activity occurring before marriage. While the term itself is straightforward, societal views and regulations surrounding it have varied significantly throughout history and across cultures.12

Historically, many societies have regulated sexual behavior, often through religious or legal frameworks. In Western civilizations, influenced by Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian traditions, sexuality was often viewed through an ascetic lens, with sex outside of marriage considered sinful. However, anthropological studies indicate that a substantial percentage of preliterate and ancient societies permitted premarital coitus under certain conditions for both males and females.2

In modern Western societies, there has been a trend toward increased acceptance and practice of premarital coitus. The interpretation and social value of sexual activity, including premarital coitus, are largely determined by the social context in which they occur.32

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