ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the impact of patriarchal cultural norms of honor and virginity on the sexual lives of Middle Eastern immigrant women living in the United States. Discussed are the challenges that immigrant women face in reconciling a potential culture clash between sexual norms they may have internalized from their countries of origin with sexual norms they may be exposed to in their host country—the US. Presented are two case histories that highlight some of these issues. Finally, cultural competencies that are needed in order to create effective therapeutic interventions with this population are shared.
Within this context, this chapter discusses how cultural integration and sexual acculturation can be accomplished in ways that help clients develop and embrace a new sexual cultural identity divested from toxic sexual norms from either culture that combines the best parts of both.
