Sexuality and Risks: Gendered Discourses About Virginity & Disease Among Young Women Of Mexican Origin
Author: X. Castaneda, Zavella P.
Date Published: 2005
This paper explores the construction of sexuality and risk by young Mexicanas in California, comparing high school students and university students. These women are at risk for sexually transmitted infections as well as pregnancy. In a college environment or migrant communities, women are exposed to questions about their reputations as "mujeres decentes." Drawing on focus groups, life histories, and participant observation with young women of Mexican origin, we show how they negotiate contradictory gendered discourses. We are that in this highly fluid and fought context, young women have difficulty following through on safe sexual practices and often make decisions that place them at risk for sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy.
Date Published: 2005
This paper explores the construction of sexuality and risk by young Mexicanas in California, comparing high school students and university students. These women are at risk for sexually transmitted infections as well as pregnancy. In a college environment or migrant communities, women are exposed to questions about their reputations as "mujeres decentes." Drawing on focus groups, life histories, and participant observation with young women of Mexican origin, we show how they negotiate contradictory gendered discourses. We are that in this highly fluid and fought context, young women have difficulty following through on safe sexual practices and often make decisions that place them at risk for sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy.
