Gender-power relations and safer sex negotiation

Abstract

This paper examines the gender-power relations in heterosexual relationships and discusses the implications for women in attempting to negotiate safer sex. Whilst acknowledging the need for examining both male and female perceptions of sexuality, the paucity of research on men's heterosexual experiences has restricted this paper to the consideration of the woman's standpoint. Reviewing the literature, the complexities of sexual relationships are explored in terms of the power imbalance which arises from the ideologies of femininity and masculinity. The implications for safer sex promotion by practice nurses working in primary health care teams are then discussed within the context of gender divisions of labour and gender role conflict.

PIP: Safer sex is defined as any sexual activity which reduces the risk of contracting HIV or other STDs. The author considers the gender-power relations in heterosexual relationships and discusses the implications for women in attempting to negotiate safer sex behavior. She explains that the focus of the paper exclusively upon the woman's standpoint is due to the paucity of research upon men's heterosexual experiences. The literature is reviewed with consideration and discussion of the complexities of sexual relationships in terms of the power imbalance which arises from the ideologies of femininity and masculinity. Implications for safer sex promotion by practice nurses working in primary health care teams are discussed in the context of gender divisions of labor and gender role conflict. Sections are on sexuality and gender identity, images of femininity and masculinity, gender-power inequalities, a historical perspective, safer sex sexual practices, and diversity in gender-power relations.