Egalitarian Values and Sexual Behavior—The Role of Country Level Values in Shaping Individual Level Behaviors in Africa, South America and Asia

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between country level egalitarian values (broadly speaking emancipatory values/structural gender equality) and sexual behavior among youth. Methods: Comparative individual level data on sexual activity and condom use were collected from the Global School-based Student Health Survey, resulting in a final sample of 23 countries, analyzed utilizing multilevel logistic regression analysis. Results: Egalitarian values were significantly associated with sexual activity and condom use. Conclusions: Egalitarian values have a relationship with adolescents' sexual activity and condom use, and thus contribute to sexual health and well-being in Africa, South America and Asia.

Hostile Sexism Predicts Negative Attitudes Toward Condom Use

“…On the other hand, macho men might have a negative or resistant stance toward condom use and a negative attitude toward women as sexual objects (K. Davis et al, 2014;Vincent et al, 2016). Notably, egalitarian gender values are strongly associated with condom use (Valverius et al, 2021). However, the role of sexism in condom use is not clear, but the influence of gender ideology-such as sexism-on people's perceptions of their social world and on the decision-making process is (S. N. Davis & Greenstein, 2009), and given that using or not using a condom is a choice, it is relevant to test this relationship empirically.…”

“…Davis et al, 2014; Vincent et al, 2016). Notably, egalitarian gender values are strongly associated with condom use (Valverius et al, 2021). However, the role of sexism in condom use is not clear, but the influence of gender ideology—such as sexism—on people’s perceptions of their social world and on the decision-making process is (S.…”