Limited detraditionalization of intimacy: Growing socioeconomic differences in contraceptive use at first intercourse in Italy

Abstract

This paper investigates links between social inequality and reproductive behavior. It complements the extensive research on the stratification of young adults' life chances in education and the labor market by considering changes over time in the stratification of contraceptive use at first intercourse by parental background. We seek to understand detraditionalization trends in young people's sexually intimate behavior by investigating whether these trends were driven by particular social groups and how they were supported by policy initiatives. We study Italy from 1950-2006, which shows strong regional and socioeconomic disparities, and comparatively slow changes in religion and gender norms. Data from the "Survey on Italians' Sexual Behavior" ( 2006) and macro indicators on family planning centers are used. The findings show a steep increase in contraceptive use at first sexual intercourse over time, stratified by parental background, but only for condom use. We did not find that family planning centers intervened in these relationships.

Higher parental socioeconomic status accelerates sexual debut: Evidence from university students in Italy

“…The median age at first sexual intercourse decreased, over the period 2000-2017, by one year for young men (from 18.9 to 17.9) and 1.2 years for young women (from 19.2 to 18.0). Hence, the SELFY data, notwithstanding their selectivity, recover the closing of the gender gap in the age at first sexual intercourse found in other studies (Struffolino & Zagel, 2021).…”

“…That is, prevailing social norms, also influenced by the Catholic Church, and their enforcement through strong intergenerational ties tend to inhibit an early and unprotected sexual debut of the Italian youth independently from their socioeconomic background. In the Italian setting, the cultural openness mechanism may even gain the upper hand, because high-SES Italian parents are more likely to be liberal when it comes to sexuality, which may translate in their children having a relatively earlier but protected sexual debut (Struffolino & Zagel, 2021).…”

Reduced Abortion Rates and Improved Provision of Counseling and Contraception Services: Analysis of a Regional Campaign for Young Women in Italy

“…In the most recent European Contraception Policy Atlas, the Italian performance on ensuring access to contraception and counseling services was average compared with other European countries, 8 and there was wide variation among Italian regions. 9,10 In the Tuscany region, abortion rates are tracked by the Performance Evaluation System, designed, developed, and implemented by our institution, the Management and Health Laboratory of Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies. 11,12 Although abortion rates per 1,000 women had been showing a gradual reduction in recent years, the Regional Council sought ways to reduce them further.…”