One of the population groups most acutely infected and affected by HIV/AIDS are
adolescent females. Coercive practices and gender inequalities have been cited as
important determinants of women’s HIV risk. This research aims to explore adolescent
girls’ understanding of their identity and heterosexual sexuality. In addition, this study
intends to assess the implications that gendered powered relations held for understanding
the risks and dilemmas that young women are confronted with in relation to HIV/AIDS
contraction. This research presents the findings of a qualitative and quantitative study
conducted using a self-constructed questionnaire that was administered to a purposive
sample of adolescent girls aged 13-18. Content analysis is used to analyse the data, the
aim being to extract themes as they emerged from the data. Some of the following
themes were identified as significant in the girls’ responses: The physical changes that
occur during adolescence were highlighted alongside the viewpoint that adolescence is a
time of inconsistency and turmoil. Self-worth was closely linked and related to socially
desirable characteristics, and in addition gendered behaviour was widely endorsed
amongst these girls. Romantic relationships were an important component of these girls’
lives. However, many described their relationships as being less sexual and more
emotional in nature. The awareness of sexual readiness and choice hold positive
implications for HIV/AIDS. A common consensus existed regarding practicing safe sex
and almost all respondents agreed that the onset of sexual intercourse should be
postponed until the age of 18 years or older. It appeared that although adhering to
feminine stereotyped behaviour could be protective in the sense that it may result in less
risky sexual engagement, it however, was also apparent that it could render females less
powerful within their heterosexual relationships, thereby increasing their vulnerability to
HIV infection. Although only a small proportion of the respondents experienced being
forced into a sexual encounter against their will, an underlying fear of sexual coercion or
threat nevertheless, emerged. It is concluded that sex education should engage with
gender-stereotyped behaviour especially during early and middle adolescence when
identities are being formed and developed.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/7000 |
| Date | 29 May 2009 |
| Creators | Noorbhai, Najeebah Yousuf |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
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