The Socio-Cultural Contexts of Sexual Socialization and Sexual Behavior of Young People within the Family Setting in Ghana

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.