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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Zambian male adolescents' perceptions about premarital sexual relationships |
Author: | Dahlbäck, Elisabeth |
Year: | 2006 |
Periodical: | African Journal of AIDS Research |
Volume: | 5 |
Issue: | 3 |
Pages: | 257-264 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Zambia |
Subjects: | sexuality gender inequality adolescents attitudes |
External link: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/16085900609490387 |
Abstract: | The role adolescent boys play in premarital sexual activities, gender power relations, and the reproductive health risks they are exposed to, have received little attention in research. This study explores male adolescents' perceptions and expectations about premarital sexual relationships in Zambia. Seven focus group discussions were conducted between November 2000 and May 2001, in George (near Lusaka) and Chimwemwe (Copperbelt Province) compounds, with 53 boys aged 15 to 19. The findings reveal that adolescent premarital sexual relationships are common and considered by many boys as a prerequisite to achieving an adult male's autonomy and status. The boys viewed themselves as the privileged gender, with greater freedom than girls, and were the major decisionmakers on sexual matters in relationships. The results indicate that traditional values and stereotypical gender roles continue to influence Zambian boys' male identity. However, a sense of ambiguity among the boys on issues of gender imbalance in premarital relationships indicates a potential and preparedness to break with traditional trends - a true challenge for public health priorities and interventions. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract] |