Final answer:
National polls indicate varying attitudes towards premarital sex, with younger U.S. demographics tending to hold more liberal views. Cultural differences worldwide influence these attitudes, with countries such as Sweden being more permissive, and changing national surveys reflect a gradual shift in American perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
In recent national polls and studies about sexual attitudes in the United States and other countries, it is evident that perspectives on premarital sex vary greatly depending on cultural and societal norms. For example, only about 29 percent of U.S. respondents in an international survey say that premarital sex is always wrong, compared to the 17 percent average among the surveyed countries. However, within the U.S., the perception of premarital sex has been shifting over time, with younger generations holding more liberal views.
The attitude towards premarital sex in the U.S. has been changing, especially among the youth. For instance, according to the National Survey of Family Growth from 2013, a majority of both boys and girls aged fifteen to nineteen believe it is acceptable for an unmarried female to have a child. Cultural differences are also highlighted in various studies; Scandinavian students are generally more tolerant of premarital sex than U.S. students, indicating a divide even among Western societies.
It is clear that what is considered 'normal' sexual behavior is heavily influenced by the values and mores of society, and these views are shaped by various factors, including family, education, peers, media, and religion. Research points out that overall, sexuality education emphasizing safer sexual practices is promoted over abstinence by a majority of U.S. adults. These findings show a trend towards a more liberal stance on sexual matters within parts of American society.