Juggling risk and safety: young women's decisions about contraception and safer sex

Abstract

Previous research has highlighted a discrepancy between young women's knowledge about contraception or 'safer sex', and their behaviour. This gap is commonly explained by labelling individuals as irresponsible. Instead, the following research acknowledges the impact of social contexts on young women's ability to make appropriate contraceptive decisions. In line with a social work perspective, the thesis situates the individual within her environment or discursive context, and intends to avoid 'blaming the victim' for unsafe decisions. Ten young women, aged 15 to 17 years, were interviewed using a qualitative method. The majority of participants were Pakeha, from the wider Wellington area. The central purpose of the research is to explain the 'knowledge-behaviour' gap through exploration of young women's experiences, in the light of influential discourses about safer sex and sexuality. The interview data was interpreted through seeking themes, and relating young women's accounts to discourses. The theoretical perspective is drawn from feminist, post-structural and radical social work approaches, with emphasis on Foucault's theory of discourse and power. This research found that contradictory expectations restricted these young women's self-determination. Although they asserted their independence in contraceptive decision-making, an influential 'double standard' reproached their sexual autonomy. Sexual freedom is emphasised in our society, yet at the same time messages of morality and danger have emerged in response to AIDS and living in a 'risk society'. An apparent gap between these young women's safer sex practices and health promotion recommendations is due to conflicting pressures, and the adoption of 'trust' as a guide to sexual choices. Their ability to make safe decisions was constrained through living in a social context tainted by contradictions and ambivalence. The implications of these findings for social policy, sexuality education and social work practice are discussed.