> I don't think there are any sensible "defaults" for human cultures.
But, you seem to think a lack of aversion to talking about sex to be a default? To your question, I've known many people whom are not practicing any religion and yet have an aversion to sexual discussion, within a population that has a lack thereof. There are many such topics that some feel are not keeping with decorum to be discussed openly and widely - and without religion being involved. Let's say in China there is a general aversion to sexual discussion. What will be your explanation given lack of puritanical religion?
> But I wouldn't expect aversion to talking any sex to arise spontaneously among a population
> Let's say in China there is a general aversion to sexual discussion. What will be your explanation given lack of puritanical religion?
I genuinely don't know, that's why I asked. Presumably it's served some sort of purpose at some point. Or maybe, as another poster suggested, it was an trait borrowed from other cultures where puritanical religion did have an influence.
According to fan-made English translations of Chinese manhua targeted to teenage boys avoiding sexual activities is seen very similar to avoiding use of drugs, gambling, and/or alcohol.
My guess is that it is a result of valuing austerity and stoicism and resisting temptations, which I suspect are quite important in confucianism.
If I did have to put forward a hypothesis it's that men in power are insecure about their sexual abilities and have been worried about discussion of their exploits under the covers undercutting their status! Seems just as plausible as alternative suggestions put forth.
> I don't think there are any sensible "defaults" for human cultures.
But, you seem to think a lack of aversion to talking about sex to be a default? To your question, I've known many people whom are not practicing any religion and yet have an aversion to sexual discussion, within a population that has a lack thereof. There are many such topics that some feel are not keeping with decorum to be discussed openly and widely - and without religion being involved. Let's say in China there is a general aversion to sexual discussion. What will be your explanation given lack of puritanical religion?
> But I wouldn't expect aversion to talking any sex to arise spontaneously among a population
I don't see spontaneity to be relevant here.