Redefining Female Sexuality in Kathmandu
Master’s Dissertation | MSc Social Anthropology, University of Edinburgh
In Kathmandu, Nepal, young middle-class women are navigating a delicate balance between deeply rooted traditions and the rapid modernity of a globalized city. My dissertation explores how these women are redefining female sexuality and gender roles, bridging old cultural paradigms with emerging democratic ideals.
With firsthand interviews and ethnographic research conducted in Kathmandu, I examine the emotional and societal pressures shaping their experiences as "cliffhangers" in a rapidly transforming world.
Research Insights
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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.
How the Research Came to Life
A deep dive into the people, places, and processes that shaped this study.
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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.
The Power of Storytelling
This research isn’t just about Kathmandu—it’s about how people navigate change. The women I interviewed aren’t passively adapting; they’re actively reshaping their identities, challenging norms, and redefining what it means to be both modern and rooted in tradition.
Their stories offer a window into how culture evolves, showing the courage it takes to challenge norms while staying connected to one’s roots. It’s a reminder that change often starts with individuals finding their voice, even in the face of deeply ingrained systems.
Acknowledgments
This project would not have been possible without the young women who participated in my research. My deepest gratitude goes to the young women of my study who took the time to meet with me online and in-person in Kathmandu. Their words and their accounts give this research depth in ways that I could not have given it on my own. I will always remember their generosity, intelligence, and warmth in speaking so candidly about topics that are not always so easy to discuss.
I hope this research sheds light on the importance of sharing individual stories. More importantly, I hope it inspires more research on the dynamic women of Nepal forging their own culture in a modernizing world. This work is specifically dedicated to Rani, Sumana, Bijara, and Ashna. (To ensure their privacy, all names have been anonymized.)