ABSTRACT
A brief account of changes in perceptions and attitudes toward sexuality, intimacy, masculinity, and femininity throughout Chinese history that examines the social and historical contexts behind such changes. Center stage are the roles the literati elite, social norms, religion, and Chinese medicine played in the shaping of perceptions and practices related to sexuality. In additionally, this chapter introduces Chinese medical interpretations on gender, pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecological illnesses.
Primary sources introduced: poetry, erotica, philter recipes, anecdotes, political posters, prayer, and most importantly, medical treatise and prescriptions.
