Re-conceptualising gender and power relations for sexual and reproductive health: contrasting narratives of tradition, unity, and rights

Abstract

Sexual and reproductive health interventions in sub-Saharan Africa will be most effective if grounded in emic (insider) perspectives of gender and power in intimate relationships. We conducted eight focus group discussions with 62 young adults in Malawi to explore conceptions of gender and power relations and areas of tension between different perspectives. We framed our enquiry according to the three social structures of the Theory of Gender and Power: the sexual division of labour, the sexual division of power, and social norms and affective attachments around femininity and masculinity. Young adults drew on interrelated and competing narratives to describe the state of gender relations, which we named tradition, unity, and rights. Participants used tradition narratives most frequently to describe patriarchal gender roles, norms and ideals. Some participants challenged this predominant discourse using unity and rights narratives. Unity narratives illustrated how love and couple reciprocity were essential sources of 'power with' as opposed to 'power over'. Rights narratives were more contested than other narratives, with some participants acknowledging that women's rights were important to the family's survival and others viewing women's rights as problematic for gender relations. Gender-responsive interventions should consider the tensions and intersections between multiple narratives on gender and power, including unity as a gender-equitable form of power.

Understanding the meanings of male partner support in the adherence to therapy among HIV-positive women: a gender analysis

“…However, gender relations are not fixed and are constantly changing. Conroy A et al showed that young people are challenging some gender norms in Malawi, and creating space for transformative gender agendas that challenge gender norms [ 48 ]. Furthermore, Schatz E (2005) has challenged the prevailing discourses on female vulnerability in Malawi showing that married women have some agency in preserving their health [ 49 ], and gender analyses should be cognisant of changes in local contexts.…”

Gender, justice and empowerment: creating the world we want to see

“…Several theories underpin the work featured in this Special Issue. Multiple papers draw upon Connell’s gender theory as a guiding framework ( Chantelois-Kashal, Apenem Dagadu, and Gardsbane 2019 ; Conroy, Ruark, and Tan 2020 ; Fehrenbacher and Patel 2019 ). Familiar to many readers of Culture, Health & Sexuality , Connell’s application of the notion of hegemonic masculinity has been a pivotal means for explaining how gender norms are created and reproduced ( Connell 1985 , Connell 2014 ; Connell and Messerschmidt 2005 ).…”

Understanding ethnic variations in HIV prevalence in Kenya: the role of cultural practices

“…The social structural theory of gender and power developed by Connell (1987) examines the inequalities and the power imbalances in gender. The theory has been used in various studies on gender, sexual behaviour and HIV infection (Wingood and DiClemente 2000;Conroy, Ruark and Tan 2019;Stoner et al 2019). A study of women in polygamous relationships in Cameroon cited the lack of power in sexual health decision-making (Oppong, Francisca and Nzefa 2019) that led to risks in sexual behaviour.…”