Premarital Sexuality and Gender in Morocco

Abstract

The rise in the average age of marriage calls into question the sexual activity of young Moroccans. This study investigates the attitudes toward premarital sex and its practice among young Moroccans. Data was collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed based on gender. The results show that 40.2% of unmarried, young Moroccans, mostly men, have premarital sex. The analysis shows how cultural biases result in significant gender differences in practice and attitudes toward premarital sex. These gender differences signal a double standard that results in a dysfunctional Moroccan society.