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Qualitative Health Research
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Young Males' Gendered Sexuality in the Era of HIV and AIDS in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Anders Ragnarsson

Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Hans E. Onya

University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa

Anna Thorson

Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Anna Mia Ekström

Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Leif Edvard Aarø

University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway

This article is focused on young males' sexual identity and behaviors in rural South Africa. The study comprised 19 focus group discussions with adolescents aged 12 to 14 years. The informants depict male sexuality as biologically predetermined, where physical needs and practices such as circumcision legitimize early sexual debut. Furthermore, the construction of male sexual identity and power imbalances in relationships are already evident at an early age, and age and economics are pertinent factors affecting social relations. Violent behavior and sexual abuse are supported by constructed gender inequalities forming an often negative and nonsupportive environment for young people. We stress the importance of planned HIV and sexuality education for young adolescents with support structures that can help endorse individual actions and informed choices. This is especially important in resource-poor settings where young people are likely to be less empowered than is the case in more affluent settings.

Key Words: abuse • sexual • children, abuse of • gender • HIV/AIDS • sexuality • youth, at risk • South Africa

Qualitative Health Research, Vol. 18, No. 6, 739-746 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1049732308318373
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