Growing Up Sexually

BADJAU (2-,2-,2-,2) (PHILIPPINES)

Index→ Asia → Philippines → Badjau

Sex is freely discussed before children, and children commonly explore genitalia. Premarital experiences are condoned and expected (Nimmo, 1965:p252-3)[1], but may still lead to forced marriage or fining (p255).

“Children early become aware of the nature of the human genitals. They wear no clothes until the age of eight or ten, and commonly explore one another’s genitals during these early years. Parents do not become upset with such behavior unless the child displays undue curiosity, when he may be scolded, or more likely teased, until his attention is diverted to something else”.

Adolescents meet in houseboats and at ceremonies to socialise. The sex act among the unmarried is organised with the use of boy-to-girl gifts and go-betweens.

Janssen, D. F., Growing Up Sexually. Volume I. World Reference Atlas. 0.2 ed. 2004. Berlin: Magnus Hirschfeld Archive for Sexology

Last revised: Sept 2004