Feeling Powerful in Heterosexual Relationships: Cultural Beliefs Among Couples of Mexican Origin
Author: Harvey, S. Marie
Date Published: 2003
Previous research indicates that women can have difficulty negotiating safer sex strategies with their partners because of power imbalances in sexual decision-making. Because what makes men and women feel powerful may be culturally-specific, understanding cultural beliefs regarding feelings of power could have important implications for HIV/STI prevention. Analyses revealed that participants comprise a single cultural group with a set of shared beliefs about what makes men and what makes women feel more powerful in their relationships. Cultural beliefs about what makes men and women powerful were very similar: physical attractiveness and employment were central to both models. Participants also shared strong beliefs about the role of economic resources in men's and women's feelings of power in relationships.
Date Published: 2003
Previous research indicates that women can have difficulty negotiating safer sex strategies with their partners because of power imbalances in sexual decision-making. Because what makes men and women feel powerful may be culturally-specific, understanding cultural beliefs regarding feelings of power could have important implications for HIV/STI prevention. Analyses revealed that participants comprise a single cultural group with a set of shared beliefs about what makes men and what makes women feel more powerful in their relationships. Cultural beliefs about what makes men and women powerful were very similar: physical attractiveness and employment were central to both models. Participants also shared strong beliefs about the role of economic resources in men's and women's feelings of power in relationships.
