Multiple Discourses On Sexuality Implications For Translating Sexual Wellness Concept Into Action Strategies In A Kenyan Context

Ahlberg, Beth Maina; Kamau, Anne; Maina, Faith; Kulane, Asli

doi:10.4314/asr.v13i1.57750

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 31 publications

(16 reference statements)

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“…However, a moral regime is not only active on a cognitive level; it includes power and controls individual behaviors and social relations in practice [29]. Furthermore, a moral regime can have its own unique norms and rules [14] and be organized around central notions. In this study, 'ambivalence' and 'respectability' [30] are two centraland partly contradictorynotions in a regime we call 'morality of despair'.…”

Section: Theoretical Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…High rates of unsafe sex and sexual risk taking have, for several decades, been seen to relate to SA as a society characterized by different moral regimes with a clash between older and younger generations [13,14]. According to Harrison [15], young people regard open expressions of sexuality as 'modern', while their parents usually oppose sexual activities before marriage and expect 'good behavior', especially for teenage girls, and believe in 'traditional' moral regimes according to which marriage and reproduction are central [16].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Obstacles to intergenerational communication in caregivers’ narratives regarding young people’s sexual and reproductive health and lifestyle in rural South Africa

et al. 2020

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Background: Statistics from South Africa show the world's highest HIV prevalence with an estimated seven million people living with the virus. Several studies have pointed to communication about sexuality between parents/ caregivers and children as a protective factor. However, communication between generations has been described as problematic, especially due to discomfort in discussing sexual matters. The aim of this study was to explore how caregivers in a poor, rural part of South Africa talked about young people in general, their sexuality, and their lifestyle practices. A particular interest was directed towards central discourses in the caregivers' narratives and how these discourses were of importance for the caregivers to function as conversation partners for young people. Methods: In this qualitative study convenience sampling was used to select and invite participants. Information was collected from nine one-on-one interviews conducted with caregivers from rural areas within South Africa. The interview guide included nine main questions and optional probing questions. Each interview took place in an uninterrupted setting of choice associated with the caregivers' home environment. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using discourse analysis. Results: Interview narratives were characterized by three central discoursesdemoralized youths in a changing society, prevailing risks and modernity and a generation gap. The youths were discursively constructed as a problematic group relating to specific prevailing risks such as early pregnancies, modern technologies, STI/HIV and contraceptives. The interview narratives illustrated that caregivers tried to impose their views of a respectable lifestyle in young people. At the same time caregivers expressed a morality of despair mirroring a generation gap which counteracted their ability to communicate with their children and grandchildren.

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Section: Theoretical Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Obstacles to intergenerational communication in caregivers’ narratives regarding young people’s sexual and reproductive health and lifestyle in rural South Africa

et al. 2020

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“…This resulted in people becoming increasingly aware of the risk factors, but did not change sexual behaviors that expose them to the risk of infection (Airhihenbuwa, Ford, & Iwelunmor, 2014;Arinola & Adekunjo, 2012;Campbell, 2003;Gakahu & Kaguta, 2011;Mhlauli, 2011). In addition, the biomedical and behavioral focus resulted in marginalizing other knowledge systems and alienated people from or made them ambivalent about their own knowledge and practices (Ahlberg, Kamau, Maina, & Kulane, 2009;Chilisa, 2005). Furthermore, the focus silenced and stigmatized sexuality, thereby reducing people's capacities to deal with sexuality (Ahlberg & Kulane, 2011;Ainslie, 2002;Duffy, 2005;Messer, 2004).…”

Section: Aids Prevention Discourse and Practicementioning

confidence: 99%

“A child, a tree”: Challenges in building collaborative relations in a community research project in a Kenyan context

et al. 2016

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This paper highlights the potential for basing participatory action research on priorities identified by communities. The case builds on a research project by the Social Science Medicine Africa Network (Soma-net) focusing on AIDS prevention among school youth in Kajiado in Kenya during 2003–2006. It became clear from that study just how complex it is to promote open communication on issues of sexuality considered critical for sexual health promotion. Towards the end of that study a spin-off in the form of a concept “a child, a tree” or tree planting evolved and the research thereafter continued as a partnership between the school community and the researchers. The focus then was on understanding how health promotion could be integrated into other aspects of community life. The concept and tree planting when implemented created a sense of ownership among the pupils largely because they were placed at the centre of the development activities. The story illuminates the nature of change developing in the course of the project, but also the challenges and complexity of creating and maintaining collaborative relations in the face of cultural and gender power dynamics and interventions imposed from outside the community.

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The socio-cultural-symbolic nexus in the perpetuation of female genital cutting: a critical review of existing discourses

Esho

Wolputte

Enzlin

2011

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Female Genital Cutting (FGC), also known as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Female Circumcision (FC), continues to be a prevalent practice in many parts of the world and especially in Africa. This is somewhat perplexing given the concerted efforts aimed at eradicating this practice. This article argues that the perpetuation of FGC is due to the unintended effects of marginalization experienced by individuals and groups of women as a result of the approach of some of the anti-FGC global discourses and policies put forward to eradicate the practice. This, we argue, happens when the social structure that provides such groups and individuals with a sense of identity and belonging breaks down. Therefore, the attack on what practicing communities consider to be of crucial cultural value causes a re-focus on the practice resulting in a re-formulation and re-invention of these practices in a bid to counter the feelings of alienation. FGC is thus reframed and reconstructed as a reaction against these campaigns. This article intends to investigate the socio-cultural-symbolic nexus surrounding the practice of FGC, its meaning and implications with respect to its continued existence. It draws examples mainly from communities in Kenya that practice FGM as a rite of passage into adulthood. Herein, perhaps, lies the driving force behind the practice in this contemporary age: it carries a lot of significance with respect to transformational processes, and it is seen as crucial in the representation of the body, identity and belonging. The aim of this article is not to defend FGC's continuation, but rather to explore the interplay between its changing socio-cultural dimensions as a counter-reaction to the eradication discourse and policies. In this way we will try to explore some of the factors that lay behind its perpetuation.

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Multiple Discourses On Sexuality Implications For Translating Sexual Wellness Concept Into Action Strategies In A Kenyan Context

Cited by 3 publications

References 31 publications

Obstacles to intergenerational communication in caregivers’ narratives regarding young people’s sexual and reproductive health and lifestyle in rural South Africa

Obstacles to intergenerational communication in caregivers’ narratives regarding young people’s sexual and reproductive health and lifestyle in rural South Africa

“A child, a tree”: Challenges in building collaborative relations in a community research project in a Kenyan context

The socio-cultural-symbolic nexus in the perpetuation of female genital cutting: a critical review of existing discourses

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