‘Yeah, I’ve grown; I can’t go out anymore’: differences in perceived risks between girls and boys entering adolescence

Abstract

This analysis is based on data from the Global Early Adolescent Study, which aims to understand the factors that predispose young people aged 10-14 years to positive or negative health trajectories. Specifically, interview transcripts from 202 adolescents and 191 parents across six diverse urban sites (Baltimore, Ghent, Nairobi, Ile Ife, Assuit and Shanghai) were analysed to compare the perceived risks associated with entering adolescence and how these risks differed by gender. Findings reveal that in all sites except Ghent, both young people and their parents perceived that girls face greater risks related to their sexual and reproductive health, and because of their sexual development, were perceived to require more protection. In contrast, when boys grow up, they and their parents recognised that their independence broadened, and parents felt that boys were strong enough to protect themselves. This has negative consequences as well, as boys were perceived to be more prone to risks associated with street violence and peer pressure. These differences in perceptions of vulnerability and related mobility are markers of a gender system that separates young women and men's roles, responsibilities and behaviours in ways that widen gender power imbalance with lifelong social and health consequences for people of both sexes.

Associations Between Agency and Sexual and Reproductive Health Communication in Early Adolescence: A Cross-cultural, Cross-sectional Study

“…In Kinshasa and Cuenca, more girls than boys had discussed most SRH topics, a finding that reflects the social and biological consequences of sexual activity that disproportionately impact girls [ 30 , 31 ], which may prompt more SRH conversations with girls. Other studies have highlighted parents' prioritization of SRH discussions with their daughters as a result of a sexual double standard, views that boys' sexual activity is inevitable, and greater fear for their daughters' safety in sexual encounters [ 32 , 33 ].…”

Parent, partner and individual contexts of very early first sex experiences among young men and their links to subsequent reproductive health outcomes

“…Mothers also express that they lack confidence when talking about sex with their sons and prefer that these discussions occur with male role models or healthcare providers (Marcell et al 2010). Other qualitative work has demonstrated how parents believe their daughters face greater risks related to their sexual and reproductive health, but that their sons are strong enough to protect themselves, which perpetuates gender stereotypes related to young people's sexual and reproductive health and can result in subsequent health consequences for young men (Mmari et al 2018). Thus, future work needs to identify strategies to provide parents or guardians of male adolescents greater scaffolding of knowledge, confidence and skills to talk with sons about sex, especially if these discussions need to start earlier during late childhood.…”

Structural determinants of gender inequality: why they matter for adolescent girls’ sexual and reproductive health

“…Research with young adolescents (10-14 year olds) across six cities around the world (Baltimore (US), Ghent (Belgium), Nairobi (Kenya), Ile Ife (Nigeria), Asyūṭ (Egypt), and Shanghai (China)) shows that puberty brings different expectations for boys and girls. Girls’ worlds are restricted (in appearance, dress, mobility, access to information) and boys’ worlds expand 21. In many societies, adolescent girls are expected to be virgins, represent family or clan honour, be submissive in their sexual and intimate relationships, and not have knowledge or information about sexuality or reproduction.…”

“…Girls’ worlds are restricted (in appearance, dress, mobility, access to information) and boys’ worlds expand. 21 In many societies, adolescent girls are expected to be virgins, represent family or clan honour, be submissive in their sexual and intimate relationships, and not have knowledge or information about sexuality or reproduction. Gender norms often stigmatise girls who seek contraceptives, become pregnant, or are sexually abused.…”