Zambian male adolescents' perceptions about premarital sexual relationships

Abstract

The role adolescent boys play in premarital sexual activities, gender power relations, and the reproductive health risks they are exposed to, has received little attention in research. This qualitative study has aimed to explore Zambian male adolescents' perceptions and expectations about premarital sexual relationships. Seven focus group discussions were conducted between November 2000 and May 2001, in George and Chimwemwe compounds, with 53 boys aged 15 to 19. The findings reveal that adolescent premarital sexual relationships are common and considered by many boys as a prerequisite to achieving an adult male's autonomy and status. The boys viewed themselves as the privileged gender, with greater freedom than girls, and were the major decision-makers on sexual matters in relationships. The results indicate that traditional values and stereotypical gender roles continue to influence Zambian boys' male identity. However, a sense of ambiguity among the boys on issues of gender imbalance in premarital relationships indicates a potential and preparedness to break with traditional trends - a true challenge for public health priorities and interventions.

Adolescents' Perceptions About Dating and Sexual Permissiveness in Ebonyi State, Nigeria: What Can Be Done to Enhance Adolescents' Sexual Health and Well-Being

“…This was also attributed to poverty and the desire to meet basic needs. In Zambia, it was reported that girls were willing to engage in sex as long as the boys gave the assurance of providing money, gift or reward in advance, as a strategy for survival but the practice was not regarded as prostitution (45). Also, female students in South Africa engaged in transactional sex (sometimes abusive) due to poverty, with the expectation that material benefits (money, food etc.)…”