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Exploring the “Blesser and Blessee†Phenomenon: Young Women, Transactional Sex, and HIV in Rural South Africa

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  • Johannes N. Mampane

Abstract

The “blesser and blessee†phenomenon has been prominent in South African media since the year 2016. This is a form of transactional sex in which older rich men (“blessers†) tend to entice young women (“blessees†) with money and expensive gifts in exchange for sexual favors. In most cases, these older men are married men who secretly engage in extramarital affairs with these young women. In this light, there have been many debates on whether transactional sex should be equated to prostitution or sex work. However, many researchers argue that both practices at the end of the day are proven to be equally high-risk sexual behaviors for HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to explore and describe perceptions and experiences of young women regarding factors that influence their susceptibility to transactional sex and the risk of HIV infection in rural South Africa. Twelve young women aged 18 to 30 years participated in two focus group discussions and 12 individual in-depth interviews. The findings of the study revealed that there are sociobehavioral, sociocultural, and socioeconomic factors that influence the susceptibility of young women to transactional sex and HIV risk. The study concluded that it was imperative for researchers to explore the context and motivation for transactional sex among young women in sub-Saharan Africa to be able to develop and implement appropriate and relevant HIV prevention interventions for this vulnerable population.

Suggested Citation

  • Johannes N. Mampane, 2018. "Exploring the “Blesser and Blessee†Phenomenon: Young Women, Transactional Sex, and HIV in Rural South Africa," SAGE Open, , vol. 8(4), pages 21582440188, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:8:y:2018:i:4:p:2158244018806343
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244018806343
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Luke, Nancy, 2006. "Exchange and Condom Use in Informal Sexual Relationships in Urban Kenya," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 54(2), pages 319-348, January.
    2. Jewkes, R. & Morrell, R., 2012. "Sexuality and the limits of agency among South African teenage women: Theorising femininities and their connections to HIV risk practises," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 74(11), pages 1729-1737.
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    Cited by:

    1. O. W. Letlape & M. Dube, 2019. "Experiences of Female Commercial Sex Workers in Marabastad, Pretoria," Global Journal of Health Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 11(12), pages 121-121, November.

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