Adolescent sexuality in Namibia: An analysis of sexual knowledge, attitudes and practices among secondary school learners in Katutura

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Date
2001
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Abstract

Adolescence is a time of great turmoil, and adolescents are going through a struggle of identities. The thesis demonstrates socio-cultural influences on adolescent sexuality, focusing on secondary school learners in Katutura, a former township during apartheid. In Namibia adolescent sexuality has received much attention recently from both national and international levels as to the context in which sexual health risks, such as HIV infection and teenage pregnancy, are one of the major social problems. The quality of adolescents' present life, as shaped by historical, economic and social forces, not only determines his or her future but also, to a large extent, Namibia's future development
Analysis chapters use quantitative data from self-administered questionnaires completed by 344 adolescent respondents at three different schools in Katutura, as well as qualitative data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews. A major finding of the thesis is significant inconsistency between 'ideal self' and 'actual behaviour', of which 'ideal' cultural scenarios about adolescent sexuality at both interpersonal and intrpsychic levels are reflected. The results reveal that most respondents in the sample have had sexual intercourse by Grade 12, although the majority of respondents indicate that it is not appropriate to have sexual intercourse before the age of 20. Divergence of high perception of safe sex and active sexual behaviour also confirms an ambivalence of ideal versus real in adolescents
Gender specific differences in sexuality are also based on cultural norms and regulation about male and female sexuality. In addition, a growing tendency toward consumer-oriented economy is one of the central factors that particularly affect female adolescents' sexual attitudes and practices. Despite the changing pattern of adolescent sexual behaviour, at the same time, much of the traditional values attched to the idea of sexuality and gender realted ideology are internalised by adolescents at the fundamental level. Adolescents in this thesis are trying to interact with cultural scenarios and incorporate them into their individual social realities
Description
Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of arts
Keywords
Sexual behaviour, Sexual education, Youth, Students/pupils
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