Navigating Changing Norms Around Sex in Dating Relationships: A Qualitative Study of Young People in Vietnam

Abstract Social and economic changes in Vietnam since the restructuring of 1980s have caused a shift norms about premarital sex. While expectations female chastity remain, sex before marriage is becoming more common among young people. As formative phase parent randomized controlled trial, present study examined normative context dating relationships from perspectives women men Vietnam. Men (n = 12) 9) studying at two universities Hanoi participated semi-structured interviews that explored on sexual coercion their peers. Thematic analysis synthesized participant narratives into broader themes. Our findings confirmed that, as social evolve Vietnam, must navigate shifting, often contradictory, relationships. Women expressed belief competing can limit women’s agency contribute to normalization However, some were embracing greater freedom reframing ways reflected agency. Efforts are needed address these conflicting expectations, deepen men’s understanding this conflict, prevent adulthood.