The Impact of Pornography on Adolescent Males’ Sexual Behaviour in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A Qualitative Study

A disproportionate number of adolescent males view pornography despite the negative effects it has on their psychological, emotional and cognitive development. In many black communities in South Africa, as a result of conformity to peer influence, substance abuse and lack of parental supervision, research indicates that adolescent males tend to access pornography and end up raping women. This empirical study employed qualitative approach to gather information from ten male participants, aged 14 -18, from one secondary school in the Eastern Cape. Ethics were adhered to as the human dignity of the participants was respected. None of the participants withdrew from the focus group. Considering the sensitivity of the topic, the discussion took place in one of the classrooms and not even their educators could identify the participants. The findings revealed that male youth who watch pornography, drink alcohol and gang-rape, which increase their risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, this group of adolescent males reported that their aggressive behaviour is perpetuated by culture. Recommendations are that parents should be involved in discussions of sexual matters with youth. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p283

Sexual Aggressive Behaviour Amongst Adolescent Males: A Challenge for South African Parents, Schools and Society at Large

Socio-cultural theory advocates that sexual aggressive behaviour of adolescent males is socially mediated, historically and culturally conditioned. Boys, who were reportedly socialized from an early age into traditional patriarchal notions of masculinity, legitimize unequal gendered power relations. In addressing the sexual aggressive behaviour of adolescent males, the literature from previous research studies, academic journals, books and internet sources were reviewed. The research findings reveal that adolescent males raised by permissive and uninvolved parents, tend to engage in risky sexual behaviour and consequently face a bleak future, imprisonment and contract sexually transmitted infections. Appropriate interventions such as transmission of values and principles in the family, and establishment of campaigns by older adult males may have a positive impact on young males in reducing an escalating rate of victimization of females. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n10p48