The Socio-Cultural Contexts of Sexual Socialization and Sexual Behavior of Young People within the Family Setting in Ghana
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Date
2013
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Ghana Social Science Journal
Abstract
Sexual socialization enables society to handle sex in a harmonious and decent way. In
African settings, sexuality education has mostly concentrated on puberty rites and has
focused on providing the framework for sexuality and reinforcing the boundaries of
marital unions. This paper focuses on the role of the family in shaping the sexuality of
young persons. It explains the socio-cultural contexts that shape the sexual behaviour
and expression of sexuality among young people in Ghana within the family. We used
qualitative data collection approaches which employed purposive sampling. Our
findings showed that the family is seen as the primary agent for the sexual
socialization of its members, and that sexual socialization is done both overtly and
covertly. Basically, it is done through imitating the general disposition of both the
nuclear and extended family, through role modelling. Also, the respondents were of
the view that the financial circumstances of the family shape the sexual socialisation
and sexual behaviour of its youth. Parents, guardians and members of the extended
family themselves will thus benefit from awareness about being good role models to
the youth regarding sexuality. The continuation and intensification of poverty
alleviation programmes for families in dire financial need could also positively
influence the sexuality and sexual expression of young persons in those families.
Description
Ghana Social Science Journal, 10(1-2)
Keywords
Family, Role Modelling, Sexuality, Socialization, Youth