A research report submitted to the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Social Anthropology March 2019 / Compensated relationships between younger women and older, moneyed men have been established as the cause of new HIV infections in South African women aged 15 – 24 years old. A great portion of the literature on young love in South Africa reproduces the connection between compensated relationships and illness. In this dissertation, I establish how young women in Johannesburg define and practice love and intimacy in their compensated relationships in the era of social media and the #blessed lifestyle. It highlights the spaces and relationships that inform their romantic choices. The research setting is Johannesburg and social media. The methods that are used this study are face-to-face and WhatsApp interviews as well as participant observation on Twitter. I argue that social media use is reconfiguring the meanings of love and intimacy for young women in Johannesburg. The physical context affects their views and actions around their relationships. Through increasing engagements in virtual spaces, young women recognise their individual choices to date with compensation as a response to the wider social vulnerability collectively experienced by women in private and public spaces all over South Africa. In response to that danger, young women use their individual romantic relationships to supplement their lifestyles monetarily in the case of personal endangerment as well as for pleasure. / NG (2020)

Thesis (DPhil (Psychology))—University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / The spread of HIV/AIDS in South Africa has continued in spite of initiatives by government and numerous concerned community-based and non-governmental organisations to contain the pandemic. Hegemonic masculinity and traditional male sexual practices associated with such identities have only recently been identified as a key area of challenge in the HIV/AIDS pandemic and more broadly in addressing issues of gender inequality. Practices such as non-negotiation in heterosexual relationships as well as other manifestations of gender inequality remain rife. Not surprisingly, this has led to a proliferation of research on men and boys in South Africa. Yet, while critical men’s studies foreground the centrality of context in the construction of masculinities, the role of particular institutions long associated with the construction of hegemonic masculinity has not been well documented in the light of the HIV/AIDS challenge. Given that HIV infection ratios are higher among soldiers than civilians, and the masculinist culture that prevails in military settings, it is clear that soldiers are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection. This study seeks to understand how men in the military draw on notions of masculinity and heterosexuality in constructing their identity and heterosexual practices. I conducted in-depth interviews with a diverse group of 14 male soldiers aged 23 to 33. All participants were officers pursuing a career in the military who were enrolled in a tertiary institution. The interviews were audio-taped and then transcribed. All the interviews were analysed using discourse analysis, with interpretation being informed by a social constructionist theoretical framework in order to address the intersecting issues of gender, sexuality and masculinity. The discourse analysis carried out on the transcripts highlights the centrality of dominant constructions of (hetero)sexual masculinity. Key here is the ‘male sexual drive discourse’ which has been identified elsewhere in South Africa and internationally, usually coupled with traditional expectations of women’s sexuality as submissive and responsive to that of men. There is, furthermore, a prevailing notion of ‘double standards’ which reward men for risky sexual practices while condemning women for the same practices and for resisting their traditional feminine and sexual roles. The study also found that the military as a macho/masculinist institution plays a key role in exaggerating traditional identities and sexual practices for men, in particular notions of masculinity as equated with physical strength and prowess and traditional constructs of male sexuality as urgent and aggressive. These are exacerbated by the military context in which soldiers, due to the nature of their task, have socio-economic and political power over (female) members of local communities. Long periods of isolation from partners during deployment and courses could also facilitate unsafe sexual practices. The study further points to the salience of social identities such as race and class intersecting with gender in the subjective representations of masculinity and sexuality, with neither of these representations manifested as fixed or unitary. The study foregrounds how male sexual risk-taking facilitates the reproduction of hegemonic discourses on male and female sexuality that continue to repress women’s rights to sexual desire and pleasure, while legitimating hegemonic male sexual practices. The study concludes that tackling HIV in the military demands critical examination of multiple constructions of masculinity: those common to broader groups of men and those peculiar to the context of the military. It is thus argued that the development of effective intervention programmes on the one hand requires an unpacking of broader discourses on masculinity and male sexuality and on the other a specific targeting within the context of military imperatives and conditions.

Although much research has been conducted on termination of pregnancy, there is a paucity of information regarding women’s sexuality after such a procedure, and in particular, how a woman understands her sexuality following a termination of pregnancy or what influences such an understanding. This research aimed to investigate how women understand their sexuality following a voluntary termination of pregnancy through the examination of the interaction between personal and broader social views on sexuality. Seven women who had undergone the procedure at two private termination clinics in Johannesburg were interviewed, using a semi-structured, open-ended interview schedule. The data was analysed according to thematic analytic methods. Based on the results, it was clear that the way in which women understand their sexuality following a termination of pregnancy is complex and multi-faceted. Particular themes emerged that were in line with the debates raised in the current literature. It became evident that these views were intricate and multi-faceted. Heteronormativity and heterosexuality proved particularly influential in how women understand their sexuality following a termination of pregnancy, and which further related to points raised throughout the literature. It was clear through the analysis that each theme could be seen to stand alone, or alternatively be represented through other themes and sub-themes.

A research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Epidemiology in the field of Infectious Diseases School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand May 2014 / South Africa continues to grapple with the HIV/AIDS epidemic almost 30 years since the disease was first described. South Africa has 6.4 million people living with HIV thereby contributing 17% to the global burden of HIV/AIDs even though it makes up 0.7% of the world population translating to an HIV prevalence of 10.6% in the general population. . Multiple concurrent sexual partnerships (MCP) and inconsistent condom use are notably the major contributors to the spread or transmission of HIV in South Africa. The South African government has allocated massive financial resources to support HIV/AIDS interventions, however, the epidemic continues to amplify in South Africa and there is a growing need for targeted HIV prevention interventions which will address behaviour change. Objectives The objectives of the study were to determine the differences in sexual risk behaviour between self-identified HIV positive and HIV negative men and identify factors associated with sexual risk behaviour. Methodology This was secondary data analysis of a cross sectional design study called "Risk Perceptions of HIV Positive Men" and it was conducted in clinics from Soweto, Cape Town and the Cape Winelands from October 2010 to July 2011. The sample size was 451 and the study population comprised self-identified HIV positive and negative men between ages 18 - 60 years. Proportion of consistent condom use (CCU) and multiple concurrent partnerships (MCP) were calculated and difference between those self-identified HIV positive and negative were determined using Chi-square tests. Factors associated with MCP and CCU between the two groups was determined using univariable and multivariable logistic regression Results We analysed data for 451 men with a mean age of 39 years (std. dev. 11.30). Out of the 451 men 311 (69%) identified themselves as HIV positive and there was a statistical significant difference in baseline characteristics between HIV positive and HIV negative men (age, race, relationship status, employment status, education level, religion, area of residence, age at sexual debut, condom use at first sex, sexual orientation and circumcision status). HIV positive men were four times more likely to have used condoms consistently in the last six months compared to HIV negative men (AOR=3.72, CI: 1.95-7.11), however, HIV positive men were also four times more likely to have had Multiple Concurrent Partnerships in the last 12 months compared to HIV negative men (AOR=4.60, CI: 2.09- 10.12) . Other factors associated with sexual risk behaviour were; relationship status, age group, race, age at sexual debut, alcohol frequency, sexual orientation and perceptions about undetectable viral load reducing HIV transmission risk. Conclusion and recommendation There is a difference in sexual risk behaviour between men who identified themselves as HIV positive and those who identified themselves as HIV negative. Men who identified themselves as HIV negative were less likely to have used condoms consistently in the last six months. Though the HIV positive men are using condoms consistently they have multiple concurrent partners. There is need to strengthen post HIV test counselling coupled with targeted messages for both HIV positive and HIV negative men.

Introduction: Alcohol is an indirect contributor to HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. Alcohol users in general, and heavy, episodic drinkers in particular, are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour. Interventions promoting the reduction of alcohol use in conjunction with sex are likely to enhance the HIV prevention response. However, little is known about the relationship between different dimensions of alcohol use and risky sexual behaviour in the general adult population in South Africa. The overall aim of this study was to examine the relationship between alcohol dependence, binge drinking and frequency of drinking in the past month and risky sexual behaviour among males and females aged 16-55 years in South Africa in 2012. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data from a nationally representative cross-sectional study of males and females aged 16-55 years in 2012. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviour. Three nuanced measures of alcohol use were used – alcohol dependence, binge drinking, and frequency of drinking in the past month. The outcomes examined included multiple sexual partners (MSP) in the past 12 months, MSP in the past month, transactional sex, age-disparate sex and condom use at last sex. Results: Some 10,034 respondents (n=4,065 males and n=5,969 females) were interviewed. This study found that for males, there was no significant relationship between alcohol dependence and risky sexual behaviour. For females, those who were alcohol dependent were more likely to have received money/gifts in exchange for sex. Binge drinking and frequency of drinking in the past month were associated with risky sexual behaviour for both males and females. For males, binge drinking was associated with: MSP in the past 12 months (AOR: 1.93, 95% CI 1.37 - 2.72), providing gifts/money in exchange for sex (AOR: 1.53, 95% CI 1.01 - 2.33), and having a sexual partner five or more years younger than themselves (AOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.09 - 1.89). An interaction between binge drinking and self-efficacy for resisting MSP was positively associated with MSP in the past month. Frequency of drinking in the previous month was associated with all five outcome variables and a dose response relationship was present. An interaction between frequency of drinking and self-efficacy for resisting MSP was positively associated with MSP in the past month. For females, binge drinking was associated with: MSP in the past 12 months (AOR 1.93, 95% CI 1.37-2.72), MSP in the past month (AOR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.03 - 3.10), and receiving money/gifts in exchange for sex (AOR 3.10, 95% CI 1.45 - 6.62). An interaction between binge drinking and self-efficacy for resisting MSP was positively associated with MSP in the 12 past months. Frequency of drinking was associated with MSP in the past month. A dose response relationship was evident with females who drank more frequently in the past month being more likely to have had MSP in the past 12 months. This study found high levels of non-drinking (62.80%) but high levels of hazardous drinking among those who drank. Males were more likely to drink and to display hazardous drinking patterns. In general males were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour, although males were more likely to have used a condom at last sex. Conclusions: Overall this study has described the patterns and prevalence of alcohol use and risky sexual behaviour in the general population in South Africa. It has demonstrated gender-specific relationships between various types of alcohol use and risky sexual behaviour and has new insights into the complex relationship between these two phenomena. Results suggest that the drinking environment facilitates high-risk sexual encounters. Findings from this study can be used to design and implement future interventions to address this important risk factor for HIV.

AFRIKAANS: Die behoefte aan 'n instrument, om die seksuele kennis, - houding en - gedrag van adolessente te assesseer ten einde 'n teikengerigte seksuele voorligtingsprogram te ontwikkel, is vanuit die literatuur geïdentifiseer. Die doel van hierdie studie was dus om 'n nie-gestandardiseerde maatskaplike assesseringsinstument te ontwikkel wat die seksuele kennis, - houding en - gedrag van adolessente kan assesseer. 'n Kwantitatiewe navorsingsbenadering is gevolg met intervensie navorsing as die soort navorsing ter sprake. Die navorsingsprosedure en werkwyse was aan die hand van Rothman en Thomas (1994:28) se intervensie ontwerp en ontwikkelingsmodel se fases hanteer. Die volgende fases word in die model onderskei: (1) Probleemanalise en projekbeplanning, (2) Insameling van data en sintesevorming, (3) Ontwerp, (4) Vroeë ontwikkeling en voorlopige toetsing, (5) Evaluasie en gevorderde ontwikkeling, en (6) Disseminasie. Dit was van kardinale belang om die studie vanuit 'n spesifieke teoretiese raamwerk te benader. Na aanleiding van die kompleksiteit van seksualiteit is van 'n multi-teoretiese benadering gebruik gemaak. Die egosielkundige teorie van Erikson en die sisteemteorie is gebruik. Die rede waarom die egosielkundige teorie van Erikson hierby ingesluit is, is omdat dit die adolessentefase in konteks plaas binne die totale lewensloop van die mens. Die sisteemteorie verduidelik weer die kompleksiteit van seksualiteit in terme van die verhouding tussen die sisteme, en die elemente binne die adolessentsisteem. Die universum van hierdie studie was graad 8, 9 en 10 leerlinge van twee skole in Pretoria wie se ouers toestemming verleen het om aan die studie deel te neem. Aangesien al die respondente nie by die ondersoek betrek kon word nie, is 'n steekproef van 320 respondente by wyse van 'n proporsioneel gestratifiseerde ewekansige steekproeftrekking gekombineerd met sistemiese steekproeftrekking geselekteer. Die respondente het 'n self¬geadministreerde vraelys (assesseringsinstrument) voltooi. Deur die benutting van die nie-¬gestandardiseerde assesseringsinstrument kon die navorser daarin slaag om 'n profiel van die adolessent se seksuele kennis, - houding en - gedrag saam te stel. Voortspruitend hieruit kon gevolgtrekkings gemaak word, en aan die hand daarvan is aanbevelings gedoen rakende die inhoud van die nie-gestandaardiseerde assesseringsinstrument, die ontwikkeling van moontlike seksuele voorligtingsprogramme, asook verdere navorsing. ENGLISH: The need for an instrument that will assess the sexual knowledge, - attitude and - behaviour of the adolescent which could be used in developing a specific sexual programme for adolescent, was identified. The purpose of this study was therefore to develop a non-standardised social work assessment tool to assess the sexual knowledge, - attitude and - behaviour of the adolescent. A quantitative research approach with intervention research as the type of research was followed. The research procedures that were followed were according to the phases of the intervention design and development model of Rothman and Thomas (1994:28). The following phases can be identified in this model: (1) Problem analyse and project planning, (2) Data gathering and synthesis formulation (3) Design, (4) Early development and pilot testing, (5) Evaluation and advanced development, and (6) Dissemination. It was also important to address the study from a specific theoretical framework. Sexuality is very complex and therefore a multi-theoretical approach was used namely the ego psychological theory of Erikson and the system theory. The theory of Erikson was used due to the fact that it explains adolescence in context of the total life cycle of mankind. The system theory explains the complexity of sexuality in terms of the relationship between systems and the elements of the adolescent as a system. The universum of this study was grade 8, 9 en 10 pupils of two schools in Pretoria whose parents gave permission to participate in this study. Since not all of the respondents could participate in this study, a sample of320 respondents was selected through proportional stratificational random sampling combined with. systematic sampling. The respondents completed a self-administered questionnaire (assessment tool). The result of the utilisation of this non-standardised social work assessment tool was a profile of the adolescent's sexual knowledge, - attitude and - behaviour. Conclusions were made and resulted in recommendations regarding the content of this non-standardised social work assessment tool, the development of possible sexual programmes for adolescents, and further research that could be conducted in future. / Dissertation (MA (Social Work))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

The study considered the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour in child headed families that usually affects the adolescents in South Africa. This study aimed at exploring the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour in child headed families, determining the causal factors of sexual promiscuous behaviour and effects of promiscuity. The area of investigation was Qora Village which is in a small town called Idutywa, Eastern Cape. This is an area that is characterised by poverty, illiteracy and unemployment. The sample was comprised of 50 participants and the study was conducted in two phases using mixed methods approach. Social exchange theory underpinned the study. Findings highlighted that these child headed adolescents had a role of caregivers and due to poverty they practiced risky sexual behaviour to bridge the economic gap. Furthermore, teenagers living in child headed families were likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour with people who are older than them; others are forced and coerced; while others perceive such act as a better option to bridge the economic gap that existed within their family backgrounds.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: There is an increase in the prevalence of HIV among young females compared to their male counterparts in South Africa (Shisana, 2012). Previous studies have shown early sexual debut is one of the contributing factors to acquiring HIV. Early sexual debut being defined as first sexual intercourse below the age of 15 years as illustrated in the literature (Aji et al., 2013). The aim of the study is to determine the contributing factors to early sexual debut by female adolescents in the ages between 13-19 attending Town-Two Clinic. To establish the knowledge of adolescent females about HIV & STI transmission, to evaluate what sexual and reproductive health education and management is required by adolescents attending the clinic, and to provide guidelines to deal with the concerns and needs of female adolescents attending Town-Two Clinic as well as reproductive health education. Methods: This is an exploratory qualitative study. Twenty female adolescents between the ages 13-19 attending Town Two Clinic for family planning were voluntarily recruited. Data collection was done by means of a 20 minute interview; two participants were interviewed a day. The interview was semi-structured using open-ended questions. Socio-demographic data was obtained by means of a questionnaire; linked to the interviewee by means of a study code to maintain anonymity. Data analysis was done using inductive analysis and creative synthesis, which analyses the details of the information collected to discover important patterns, themes and interrelationships (Larry, 2014). Results: The average age of the participants was 16 years. The youngest and eldest was 13 and 19 years old respectively; average grade was grade10. Majority of participants resided with their mothers (35%), 20% lived with both parents, 20% with their elder siblings, 15% with grandparents and 5% with other relatives. Participants (45%) reported they were sexually active; average age at first sexual intercourse was 14 years. The participants’ acceptable age for sexual debut was 18yrs. Reasons contributing to early sexual debut were identified as: peer pressure, easy access to alcohol, transaction and cross-generational sex, media and social networks, crowded living conditions, sexual abuse and lack of parental supervision and communication with children. The participants (95%) said they received sex education at school;. (65%) reported they were taught about safe sex practices and using a condom every time they have sex. Knowledge gaps; (60%) of the participants reporting they would like to receive more information and teaching about STI’s, as they knew very little about them. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the contributing factors to early sexual debut amongst female adolescents as: Peer pressure, easy access to alcohol, transaction and cross-generational sex, media and social networks, crowded living conditions, sexual abuse and lack of parental supervision and communication with children, and its risk to HIV infection. Appropriate and current sex education with regards HIV, STI prevention, testing and treatment is crucial. Parents play a vital role in educating their own children and need to overcome their socio-cultural views about sex. Interdisciplinary collaboration is needed between the health sector, education, law enforcement, church youth groups, media and social networks in developing effective programs for educating youth on HIV prevention, reproductive health and dangers of substance abuse. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Nie beskikbaar

there is a growing body of research on men who have sex with men (MSM) and risk factors for HIV in South Africa. However, in order to develop more appropriate and relevant interventions to reduce the transmission of HIV amongst MSM and MSMW, there was a need to deepen our understanding of sexual risk behaviour and protective practices. The aim of the study was to explore the sexual risk and protective behaviour of men who have sex with men and women in Soweto, South Africa.

In this account of male infidelity and the migrant imaginary, I take on the idea of how it is that moral arguments can be made in support of the claim that male infidelity does not invalidate the assertion of love to one’s partner. In trying to address this issue I undertook an ethnographic study of eight middleclass Zimbabwean men living in Midrand. Using these young Zimbabwean middleclass men as an analytical category, I delve into the imagined lifestyles that they have about life in South Africa and the frustrations that they encounter in trying to realise these standards of living. I use Berlant’s (2006) concept of ‘cruel optimism’ to show how these frustrations in turn lead to a situation in which infidelity is not seen as antithetical to love.