Revisiting, contesting and reclaiming memory: a critical discourse analysis of sex education debates on Chinese social media.

Abstract

This study examines how Chinese women on Bilibili recall and reinterpret their sex education experiences, uncovering the intricate interplay between individual memories and socio-cultural dynamics. Drawing on memory theory, we conducted a critical discourse analysis of 1,722 comments, identifying four key themes: (1) sexual silence within the 'desexualised' domestic sphere; (2) women's encounters in a 'sexualised' society; (3) rationalising the absence of comprehensive sex education; and (4) activating memory activism through self-education and collective advocacy. The findings reveal that the family, often idealised as a 'desexualised' safe space, perpetuates patriarchal norms, while the public sphere commodifies sexuality and exacerbates gendered risks. These domains, rather than existing in isolation, are deeply interconnected, with porous boundaries between them that sustain structural inequalities. Women's narratives transform individual memories into collective memory acts, leveraging social media as a critical battlefield for advocacy and compensatory education. Yet, fragmented and emotionally charged digital dialogues often face structural barriers, limiting their capacity to drive systemic change. The study underscores the transformative potential of digital memory activism in challenging socio-cultural norms and emphasises the critical need for institutional efforts to establish inclusive and comprehensive sex education as a cornerstone of gender equity.