Singular or plural? The diversification of young Brazilians’ sexual initiation paths/processes

Abstract

This article discusses the initial processes related to sexually engaging with a partner, addressing issues related to the permanence or changes in gender relations and morality that circumscribe the exercise of sexuality at this life stage. We use data from the socio-anthropological multisite survey “Jovens da era digital” (Young people in the digital age), which interviewed 194 young people aged 16 to 24 years concerning their affective-sexual trajectories from 2021 to 2022 - a period characterized by significant declines in COVID-19 pandemic-related mortality. In this article, we reflect on sexuality socialization processes based on three biographical cases, which provide a wealth of dimensions and specificities demonstrating the diversification of youth sexuality socialization processes in contemporary Brazilian society.