RT Article
T1 "An Unchanging God in a Changing World": Sexual Practice and Decision-Making among Christian Women in South Africa
JF Journal of religion and health
VO 60
IS 6
SP 4045
OP 4060
A1 Perera, Shehani
A1 Swartz, Alison
A2 Swartz, Alison
LA English
YR 2021
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1795110821
AB This study explored the relationship between sexual health and religion among young, Pentecostal Christian women navigating the transition to adulthood in Khayelitsha township, in the City of Capetown, South Africa. Between February and August 2019, eleven semi-structured interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted. Thematic analysis and discourse analysis were used to analyse the data collected. The study found that the relationship between sexual health and religion was complex and multifaceted, shaped by the religious dichotomisation of "right" and "wrong", socio-economic constraints and culture. Despite the perceived decline of religious influence on the sexual and social lives of youth, religion continues to play an instrumental role in shaping the dreams, aspirations and lifestyles of young people, especially as they transition to adulthood. We argue therefore, that religion is a significant spiritual and cultural resource that young women use to develop their sexual and social identities, although it cannot always be equated with their sexual practice or decision-making related to sexual health. In the light of this, churches should still be seen as key partners in the fight against HIV as their involvement can act as a stabilising force for young people dealing with poverty and uncertainty. Church engagement with young people should offer programmes that include but are not limited to sexual health.
K1 Christianity
K1 HIV/AIDS
K1 Religion
K1 Sexual health
K1 South Africa
K1 Transition to adulthood
DO 10.1007/s10943-021-01305-7