How virginity enhances masculinity in contemporary Vietnam

This study examines the social and cultural
relationship between masculinity and virginity in
Hanoi, Vietnam. Taking a qualitative approach, I
conducted 20 in-depth interviews and four focus group
discussions with male and female students. This study
reveals that female virginity is a key cultural
concern among young educated men and women.
Traditionally, virginity was measured not only by an
intact hymen, but was also demonstrated by the
dignity, faith, and love of a woman. The study
suggests that there were two forms of male
expectation regarding female virginity. The male
group that highly valued virginity found it
impossible to accept female partners who were not
virgins. To protect their masculinity, these men
ended their relationships when this fact was
confessed to them. The second male group valued
virginity a bit less and these men were more able to
accept the fact that their partners virginity was lost such that they could forgive their female
partners but only if this loss resulted from a
physical accident that damaged the hymen or through
sexual coercion. Ultimately, this study found that
marrying a virgin helps men enhance their social
reputation and masculinity.