Impediments to safer heterosexual sex: a review of research with young people
Wight, D.
Aids Care 4(1): 11-23
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0954-0121 PMID: 1562627 DOI: 10.1080/09540129208251616Document Number: 318756
The existing British literature concerning the heterosexual activity of young people, highlighting the cultural factors that impede the adoption of safer sex practices, is reviewed. From research based primarily on detailed interviews and group discussions, focus is on the following issues: the difficulties in talking about sex; the gender-role expectations brought to the sexual encounter; the primary function of condoms as contraceptives; problems in buying, carrying, and using condoms; how the evolution of a particular relationship affects the sexual behavior of the partners; and the imbalances of power between genders. Apart from a reported increase in condom use, HIV has had little impact on the sexual activity of young people. Verbal communication prior to intercourse is rare,. a silence that protects the self-esteem of the partners and precludes a discussion of their sexual histories, but which also prevents discussion of condom use. Condom use is also limited by the embarrassment of buying, carrying, or using a one. Condoms still appear to be the most widely used contraceptive during young people's first intercourse, but if a sexual relationship is perceived as long term, the woman is likely to go on the pill. All these issues are influenced by the power inequalities between men and women. Economic needs and the expectation that a man's sexual gratification is paramount constrain women's choices. These findings suggest that in order to promote safer sex practices for HIV prevention, underlying cultural issues must be addressed, in particular: 1) the taboo against serious discussion of sexual behavior and 2) the extent to which women are able to exercise their own interests in sexual encounters.