Redefining Female Sexuality in Kathmandu
Master’s Dissertation | MSc Social Anthropology, University of Edinburgh
The Challenge
In Kathmandu, young middle-class women stand at a cultural crossroads—torn between deeply rooted traditions and the rapid shifts of globalization. How do they navigate the tensions between heritage and modernity, personal agency and societal expectation?
My research explores how these women are redefining female sexuality and gender roles, bridging old cultural paradigms with emerging democratic ideals.
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Through in-person exploration and community engagement, I gained firsthand insights into the cultural and social dynamics of Kathmandu. Observing the daily lives of young women provided invaluable context to understand how tradition and modernity collide in this rapidly evolving city.
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I conducted a series of interviews with four women aged 23–29. These conversations, held both in-person and virtually, centered on their perspectives on gender, sexuality, and cultural change.
By fostering an open and collaborative environment, I encouraged candid dialogue around deeply personal and often sensitive topics.
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I used a collaborative storytelling approach where participants actively contributed to how their stories were shared.
This method prioritized their voices, allowing for a more authentic representation of their experiences and perspectives.
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I meticulously analyzed the qualitative data from interviews and observations, identifying recurring themes such as the “cliffhanger” metaphor, challenges to patriarchal norms, and the emotional toll of navigating dual identities. These insights were woven into the dissertation to tell a cohesive and impactful story.
How the Research Came to Life
A deep dive into the people, places, and processes that shaped this study.
Research Insights: The Evolution of Identity
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Cliffhangers in Transition
Young women occupy a "liminal space," embracing modern values while tethered to traditional roles. This duality influences everything from their professional ambitions to personal relationships.
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The Emotional Toll
Negotiating change while maintaining familial and social harmony creates a significant emotional burden, as women strive to reconcile conflicting identities.
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Cultural Catalysts
Factors such as education, social media, and urban migration empower women to question patriarchal norms while navigating the constraints of familial and societal expectations.
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Redefining Sexuality
Emerging perceptions of virginity and female purity are challenging caste and religious ideologies, with many women choosing to reinterpret—or outright reject—traditional practices.
The Impact: Why Individual Storytelling Matters
🔍 A lens into how culture evolves through individual agency.
🌱 A bridge between anthropology and activism—understanding leads to change.
🗣 A call to keep sharing, researching, and amplifying voices often left unheard.
Acknowledgments
This work would not exist without the young women of Kathmandu who shared their time, insights, and experiences. Their generosity, intelligence, and courage give this research its depth.
Dedicated to:
Rani, Sumana, Bijara, and Ashna (names anonymized for privacy)