In the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, men who have sex with men (MSM) have experienced high levels of infection. Consequently, this population is considered a crucial target for prevention, care, and treatment efforts. In sub-Saharan Africa, however, most HIV transmission occurs via heterosexual intercourse, and 60% of HIV cases are women. African HIV epidemics are thus classified as “heterosexual” phenomena, and MSM are rarely targeted by public health programming. Epidemiological studies now show that African MSM often have greater HIV prevalence than the general population. Behavioral research further indicates elevated sexual risk and low prevention-related knowledge levels among these men. Moreover, denial, stigmatization, and criminalization of male homosexual conduct across Africa have created social climates in which MSM remain “hidden,” fearing rejection or arrest. This has heightened their vulnerability to HIV infection. To counteract this trend, public health advocates call for prevention interventions adapted to the needs of African MSM. In a few countries, local NGOs have begun mobilizing around the “MSM issue.” However, little information exists about HIV prevention among MSM in sub-Saharan Africa and the associations undertaking it. Using a case study of one such association – Alternatives-Cameroun – this project aimed to explore the factors affecting design and implementation of HIV prevention interventions for MSM in Cameroon. Homosexual conduct is illegal in Cameroon, and MSM are frequently harassed and arrested. Nonetheless, Alternatives-Cameroun has launched prevention programming that reaches “hidden” MSM and addresses their unique characteristics. Through qualitative research involving stakeholder interviews and personal observation, this project found that local, national, and international factors all influence choices of intervention content and delivery formats. Interventions are designed by Cameroonian MSM, for Cameroonian MSM, but are also informed by empirical research and outreach principles drawn from other contexts. Implementation is a challenge in Cameroon’s hostile and resource-poor environment: stakeholders bear physical, emotional, and financial burdens during outreach. However, internal dynamics and foreign support help Alternatives-Cameroun mitigate these obstacles. This project reveals that understanding local realities and reinforcing multi-sectoral mobilization around MSM issues are important first steps towards launching HIV prevention interventions for MSM in sub-Saharan Africa. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfillment of the requirements for Masters degree in Sociology March 2016 / Following a qualitative approach and using diaries and the anthropological tool of ethnography, the study engaged black heterosexual men living with HIV to explore and describe their masculine ideals, values and behaviors in the dawn of the HIV epidemic. The findings revealed that the fabric that made “Indoda” varied and changed over time but to be Indoda , a man had to have one’s own family and consequently be the head of the family “Intloko yo Muzi”.Indoda was also detailed as someone who was “iQhawe”,a warrior who fought many battles of invulnerability and endured hardships. The findings suggested that although participants strove to attain these specifications, they were also restricted and burdened by them; especially those who were under varying degrees of pressure as a result of the different social, economic and political transitions that were taking place. HIV was seen as a threat to the constructions of hegemonic masculine ideals and thus exposed a budding crisis of masculinity that men in this context were confronted with. While HIV seemed to alter ones identity for some of the participants, other participants revealed that HIV did not change their lives in anyway. Among these participants, multiple relationships with ‘roll ons’; secrets and low condom use were rife. The other group of men who differentiated themselves from those who were HIV negative challenged the dominant notions of masculinities and reconstructed their masculinities in more positive ways. In this way, these men inhabited a subjective position of agency by taking control of their lives and accepting and driving their Z3. The study concluded that masculine norms behaviors and values are fluid and it is through continuously engaging in critical examination of the discourses that construct masculinity that new constructions of what it means to be a man can emerge. / MT 2018

Submitted by MARCEL ARRUDA FURQUIM Furquim (marcelfurquim@hotmail.com) on 2016-11-24T20:40:53Z No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertação final depositopdf.pdf: 1891623 bytes, checksum: 72c86417ff7d0b8803aa8bc8b695c3fc (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Felipe Augusto Arakaki (arakaki@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-11-25T17:11:40Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 furquim_ma_me_assis.pdf: 1891623 bytes, checksum: 72c86417ff7d0b8803aa8bc8b695c3fc (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-11-25T17:11:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 furquim_ma_me_assis.pdf: 1891623 bytes, checksum: 72c86417ff7d0b8803aa8bc8b695c3fc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-08-03 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Esse estudo abarca o período entre os anos de 1978-1981. Nesses anos no Brasil encontramos reflexos da revolução sexual, movimento que gerou profundas transformações na sexualidade e nas relações entre os gêneros, modificando os conceitos de “homem e mulher”. Dessa forma, a Revista Playboy em sua versão brasileira produziu em suas paginas discursos que teceram representações sobre a prática masculina, discursos que ressoaram diretamente no dispositivo da sexualidade. Criou uma norma, um modelo, um discurso-verdade sobre “qual” é a masculinidade perfeita. Essa dissertação visa contribuir para a escrita de uma história do homem, enquanto “ser” construído por seu meio cultural e sujeito de uma sexualidade construída e modelada. / The present study encompasses the period between the years of 1979-1981. During this time in Brazil, it was possible to verify the reflex of the Sexual Revolution, a movement that generated profound transformations in the sexuality and in the relationships between genders, modifying the concepts of “men and women”. Thus, the Brazilian issue of Playboy Magazine produced in its pages discourses that generated representations of the masculine practice, which reverberated directly in the mechanism of sexuality. Playboy Magazine established a norm, a guideline and a single truthful discourse about a particular ideal model of masculinity. This dissertation aims at contributing to the writing of a narrative of what it is to be a man, as a social construction by its social environment and subject of a constructed, modelled sexuality.

Orientador: Hélio Rebello Cardoso Júnior / Resumo: Esse estudo abarca o período entre os anos de 1978-1981. Nesses anos no Brasil encontramos reflexos da revolução sexual, movimento que gerou profundas transformações na sexualidade e nas relações entre os gêneros, modificando os conceitos de “homem e mulher”. Dessa forma, a Revista Playboy em sua versão brasileira produziu em suas paginas discursos que teceram representações sobre a prática masculina, discursos que ressoaram diretamente no dispositivo da sexualidade. Criou uma norma, um modelo, um discurso-verdade sobre “qual” é a masculinidade perfeita. Essa dissertação visa contribuir para a escrita de uma história do homem, enquanto “ser” construído por seu meio cultural e sujeito de uma sexualidade construída e modelada. / Mestre

The attitude of the African male to contraception and the role he plays in the acceptance of contraceptives by his racial group is presented. Over a period of one month the researcher interviewed 220 African males at a primary care private practice. In this study 186 (85%) were aware of contraceptives and 34 (15%) had no knowledge of contraception; 111 (60%) were married and 75 (40%) were unmarried. The 26 - 35 year age group were the most familiar with contraception (57%). The unemployed were the least users of contraceptives (8%), whereas 69% of the professional group were using contraceptives. The average ideal family size of the group was 4 children. No significant cultural barriers to contraception were found. Religion was found to have little effect on contraceptive practice by the African male. Fifty-three percent of the Urban dwellers were using contraceptives compared with only 30% of the Rural inhabitants. Modern methods of contraception are not yet sufficiently known by the African male to be useful to him. Health workers should educate the African male in matters of contraception to achieve the desired objectives of family planning campaigns among this racial group. / Thesis (M.Prax.Med.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1986.

This paper focuses on boys and young men's attitudes, knowledge and practices with regard to pregnancy and HIV infection. The objective of the study is to ascertain how boys and young men perceive the risks of pregnancy and HIV infection. The study further investigates the strategies which the sexually active respondents considered as appropriate, practical and effective in coping with these risks. The study was based on the secondary data which was extracted from the transitions to adulthood survey conducted in KwaZulu Natal during 2001. The analysis was restricted to young men aged 14 to 24 years. The major findings from the study revealed that young men did not perceive themselves at risk of HIV infection. Overall, respondents were fairly knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and knew where to access condoms, how HIV is contracted or transmitted etc. Findings also indicated that many respondents regarded pregnancy as a matter of great concern. Many respondents perceived pregnancy as highly problematic and were concerned to protect themselves against this risk. The major finding for this study revealed that the majority of sexually active young men used condoms for preventing both pregnancy and HIV/AIDS; while some also used various contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy. A major factor promoting consistent condom use was the perception of pregnancy as highly problematic. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2006.

This study investigates male sexual behaviour and protective practices in the context of a generalized HIV/AIDS epidemic in Mozambique. It focus on how gender norms, particularly notions of masculinity influence sexual behaviour and the ability of men (and women) to protect themselves against HIV infection. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods is used in this study. The qualitative data comes from 16 focus group discussions and 20 in-depth interviews and the quantitative data comes from a survey conducted with 209 men and 217 women. This methodological approach has proven useful in exploring complex and sensitive matters such as sexual behaviour. In this study, where it was possible, the findings from the survey were supported by quotes from focus groups discussions and in-depth interviews. The findings of this study reveal that traditional gender norms, particularly rigid notions of masculinity are still prevalent in the study settings. The existing notions of manhood are mostly associated with traditional views of men as providers and main breadwinners. In contrast, women are seen as the family caregivers. Practices which bring social prestige both in the community and in the society at large are highly valued for men. Meanwhile, traditional notions of masculinity face enormous challenges in the existing socio-economic context which is characterized by a lack of employment and widespread poverty. This has negative consequences for male self-esteem including their sense of manhood. The study shows that some men believe that having multiple sexual partners is part of male identity and is supported by culture. Similarly, some women also believe that a man cannot be satisfied with one partner or stay long without having sex. These beliefs have important implications in a country with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The study found that traditional notions of manhood prevent men from accessing correct health information thereby perpetuating the cycle of harmful practices for themselves and their females partners. The findings of this study suggest that despite a universal awareness of HIV infection and protective strategies, multiple sexual partnerships and unprotected sex among heterosexual men and women are the driving force sustaining the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the study settings. This is worsened by the widespread negative meanings attached to condoms. The study shows that the level of condom use (31 percent among men and 20 percent among women) is encouraging but not sufficient to curb the level of HIV infections. Consistent condom use remains a major challenge as much fewer men and women report using condoms in all their sexual encounters. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Development Studies, 2017 / HIV/AIDS is a social epidemic that continues to impact the lives of countless young people in Southern Africa and possibly poses one of the biggest threats to adolescent health and sexuality; and is one of the main challenges faced by youth in their transition to adulthood. However, despite the fifteenth year running of the South African government’s HIV/AIDS programme, prevalence rates continue to increase annually pointing to disjuncture between government intervention and the causal mechanisms involved in the spread of HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, literature on men’s sexuality in Southern Africa remains embedded within a ‘predatory masculinity and female vulnerability’ paradigm which results in a gendered analysis of HIV/AIDS and a side-lining of the male perspective which then places young men at a high risk of HIV infection. Therefore, in an attempt to understand the disconnect between literature and high prevalence rates; and to contribute to a better understanding of men’s health and sexuality, a qualitative study using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews was conducted amongst young black heterosexual men (19- 25 years old) to discover the factors that determine condom use among young men living in an RDP housing settlement in Daveyton on the East Rand of Johannesburg. The research findings show that condom use in the sample is predicated upon the young black heterosexual men’s definition of masculinity, the nature of the sexual relationship and sexual partner, and – to a lesser extent - the social accessibility of the condom. As they move from adolescence to adulthood, there is a transition of their understanding of masculinity from one characterized by promiscuous sexual behavior where the use of condoms is seen to diminish the degree of one’s masculinity, to a masculinity fostered by responsible sexual behaviour and accompanied by condom use. The study also found that young men expressed a distance from the supposedly hegemonic view of violent masculinity and male dominance in sexual relationships and that the search for love and the ability to provide for one’s partner was what was most valued in young men’s self -conception of masculinity and sexuality. This then negatively impacted condom usage in romantic relationships as such relationships were perceived to contain less risk and it was assumed that they are predicated on trust; positing love as the biggest barrier to condom use. Furthermore, the study found that although condoms are physically and economically accessible, they are not socially accessible due to the stigma attached to sexual activity among adolescents – which results in a barrier to condom usage. Therefore, findings suggest that the government’s condom promotion programmes - based on the tenets of education (on the subject of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases) and physical accessibility of condoms - are largely inconsistent with the factors that determine condom use among young men. This implies that there is a need to develop tailored condom promotion programmes targeted at male sexuality / XL2018

This research project is based on the key assumption that in order to slow the rate of HIV infections amongst young men (and women) it iscrucial to direct interventions towards changing the constructions of masculinity which put adolescents at risk of HIV infection. As such, this study investigates the constructions of masculinity and masculine identity positions that are evident within the narratives of a small group of young black, white and coloured male university students. The research participants were engaged in a limited number of individual, semi-structured interviews. This report draws attention to the fmdings that have arisen from an analysis of the initial two interviews, the first of which revolved around photographs taken by the participants in order to illustrate what it means to be a young man in contemporary South Africa. An important finding is that there are numerous commonalities as well as differences in the constructions of masculinity that exist amongst these young men. A sense of uncertainty and ambivalence regarding the nature of masculinity is also common. Situated with an emphasised masculinity, various risk-taking behaviours, such as the consumption of alcohol in large quantities, visible affluence, a compulsory heterosexuality, and strength, in diverse forms, are identified as common constructions of masculinity. All of these young men define their sense of masculinity through the adoption of subject positions in relation to and in opposition to young women and other young men. The male peer group is a particularly significant site for masculine identity construction. A further key finding is that a number of these young men are able to reject one or more hegemonic norms of masculinity, yet are apparently able to maintain a sense of masculine acceptability. This finding has direct implications for the design of future research as well as of interventions around HIV/AIDS. As such, this thesis draws attention to the range of strategies utilised by these young men to maintain an adequate sense of masculinity in the face of non-conformance to particular hegemonic norms. Although these young men identify predominantly with the dominant, hegemonic norms of masculinity, there are multiple, often contradictory, subject positions that they occupy in relation to these norms and standards. As a result, this study raises questions for those involvedin similar research as well as for those designing interventions in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.