Reconstructing discourse, deconstructing power and recognising strengths: the case of teens ignited in understanding religion and adolescent sexual-wellbeing

In the past two decades, questions about sexual health have become of pressing concern in light the global rise of the HIV epidemic. Statistics show that young people in sub-Saharan Africa make up the largest percentage of the African population infected with HIV and heterosexual sex is argued as the predominant mode of transmission. There is a growing body of research seeking to understand social determinants such as poverty, gender inequality and violence that contribute broadly to the sexual-wellbeing of young South Africans, however, the impact of religion on the sexual lives of adolescents, despite an overwhelming majority of adolescents reporting close religious affiliation, is not enquired about much nor is it well understood. This study is an exploration and investigation of the intersection of religion and the sexual perceptions, practices and wellbeing of adolescent South Africans. Using a case-study of Teens Ignited (TI), a Charismatic Pentecostal Youth Group in Potchefstroom, a town 100 kms West of Johannesburg, this study in an exploration of the impact of the discourse of sexuality identified at TI, as well as the power relations that impact on the way members of TI understand and experience their sexuality. Using participatory research methods and a survey questionnaire, the perceptual and behavioral sexual patterns reported by the membership of TI is examined and critical insights about the positive and negative contributions of religion to the sexual-wellbeing of the participants of this study are discussed. Drawing largely on Foucauldian understandings of sexuality as a discursive project, the religious messages and power present at TI are analysed. The key findings of this study demonstrate that TI members have knowledge of the official message about sexuality at TI, however, discontinuities and disjuncture identified between the dominant discourse and lived experiences of TI members raise concerns about negative impacts of religion on the way TI members negotiate their sexual lives. The aim of this study is to provide theoretical frameworks related to sexuality and religion as a basis for understanding how the negative contributions of religion to adolescent sexual-wellbeing due to inadequate messaging and unequal relations of power can be redressed and positive contributions such as the sense of belonging TI members experience can be strengthened

Perceptions of sexuality and gendered sexual roles among students at a South African university : exploring heteronormativity on campus

The aim of this paper is to investigate the extent to which university students are likely to hold heteronormative and normative gendered views. Data was obtained through a quantitative survey. A total of 1214 undergraduate students were interviewed in an urban university in South Africa. Low levels of homophobia were reported, with women being more accepting towards homosexuality. It was found that heteronormative (possible heterosexist) views are at play when asked whether homosexuality should be portrayed positively on campus, which raises questions of heterosexual privilege. While students are generally willing to interact with homosexual students, they have an aversion towards same-sex relationships being given a positive, and perhaps equal, status to heterosexual relationships. Religion and family are the most influential factors which shape the views of the respondents. Findings suggest marked differences in the views of religious and non-religious students with regard to gender norms and acceptance of homosexuality. Fields of study appear to be a significant determinant of students’ views on sexual and gendered norms. Ultimately, the paper is explorative in nature, and starts to address a phenomenon that is under-researched within this context

Nothing as Practical as a Good Theory? The Theoretical Basis of HIV Prevention Interventions for Young People in sub-Saharan Africa: a Systematic Review

This paper assesses the extent to which HIV prevention interventions for young people in sub-Saharan Africa are grounded in theory and if theory-based interventions are more effective. Three databases were searched for evaluation studies of HIV prevention interventions for youth. Additional articles were identified on websites of international organisations and through searching references. 34 interventions were included; 25 mentioned the use of theory. Social Cognitive Theory was most prominent (n = 13), followed by Health Belief Model (n = 7), and Theory of Reasoned Action/Planned Behaviour (n = 6). These cognitive behavioural theories assume that cognitions drive sexual behaviour. Reporting on choice and use of theory was low. Only three articles provided information about why a particular theory was selected. Interventions used theory to inform content (n = 13), for evaluation purposes (n = 4) or both (n = 7). No patterns of differential effectiveness could be detected between studies using and not using theory, or according to whether a theory informed content, and/or evaluation. We discuss characteristics of the theories that might account for the limited effectiveness observed, including overreliance on cognitions that likely vary according to type of sexual behaviour and other personal factors, inadequately address interpersonal factors, and failure to account for contextual factors