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The social constructions of sexuality: Marital infidelity and sexually transmitted disease - HIV risk in a Mexican Migrant community

Author

Listed:
  • Hirsch, J.S.
  • Higgins, J.
  • Bentley, M.E.
  • Nathanson, C.A.

Abstract

Objectives. This article explores the social context of the migration-related HIV epidemic in western Mexico. Methods. Data collection involved life histories and participant observation with migrant women in Atlanta and their sisters or sisters-in-law in Mexico. Results. Both younger and older women acknowledged that migrant men's sexual behavior may expose them to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Younger Mexican women in both communities expressed a marital ideal characterized by mutual intimacy, communication, joint decisionmaking, and sexual pleasure, but not by willingness to use condoms as an HIV prevention strategy. Conclusions. Migrant Mexican women's commitment to an illusion of fidelity will hinder HIV prevention initiatives targeted toward them. Furthermore, the changing meanings of marital sex may make it harder to convince young couples to use condoms as an HIV prevention strategy. If the chain of heterosexual marital HIV transmission is to be interrupted in this community, prevention programs must target men.

Suggested Citation

  • Hirsch, J.S. & Higgins, J. & Bentley, M.E. & Nathanson, C.A., 2002. "The social constructions of sexuality: Marital infidelity and sexually transmitted disease - HIV risk in a Mexican Migrant community," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(8), pages 1227-1237.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:2002:92:8:1227-1237_8
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    Cited by:

    1. Mojola, Sanyu A. & Williams, Jill & Angotti, Nicole & Gómez-Olivé, F. Xavier, 2015. "HIV after 40 in rural South Africa: A life course approach to HIV vulnerability among middle aged and older adults," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 204-212.
    2. Julia Cordero Coma, 2013. "When the group encourages extramarital sex," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 28(30), pages 849-880.
    3. Xiushi Yang, 2006. "Temporary Migration and HIV Risk Behaviors in China," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 38(8), pages 1527-1543, August.
    4. Yong Cai & Ying Wang & Zhijie Zheng & Jin Wang & Wen Yao & Jin Ma, 2013. "Predictors of Reducing Sexual and Reproductive Risk Behaviors Based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) Model among Unmarried Rural-To-Urban Female Migrants in Shanghai, China," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(4), pages 1-7, April.
    5. Shelley Clark, 2010. "Extra-marital sexual partnerships and male friendships in rural Malawi," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 22(1), pages 1-28.
    6. Padilla, Mark & Castellanos, Daniel & Guilamo-Ramos, Vincent & Reyes, Armando Matiz & Sánchez Marte, Leonardo E. & Soriano, Martha Arredondo, 2008. "Stigma, social inequality, and HIV risk disclosure among Dominican male sex workers," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 67(3), pages 380-388, August.
    7. Yao Lu & Peifeng Hu & Donald Treiman, 2012. "Migration and depressive symptoms in migrant-sending areas: findings from the survey of internal migration and health in China," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 57(4), pages 691-698, August.

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