Title: [Generalization about promiscuity in the African culture (letter)]

POPLINE Document Number: 125458

Author(s):

Staugard F

Source citation:

LAKARTIDNINGEN, 1997 Apr 2;94(14):1261.

Abstract:

In response to a previous article published in 1997 by Harold Sihm reviewing the situation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, it is stated that the alleged acceptance of promiscuity in African culture lacks verity. This accusation derives from the lack of social and economic resources, widespread migration, and accepted cultural norms purportedly sustaining such promiscuous behavior especially among men. It is worrisome that Harold Sihm, albeit unintentionally, also contributes to the colportage of already well-established prejudices and myths in relation to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa. First, in Africa there is not one uniform culture; rather, there are several hundred different cultures. Only in Kenya there are about 50 quite dissimilar cultures, within which the populations' attitudes about sexual and reproductive health present a particular heterogenic picture. The author spent 12 years as a doctor in 9 different African countries, but he could not find one African culture which accepted promiscuity. Casual multiple sexual contacts occur among select migrating subgroups and many women are forced into prostitution because of extreme poverty in many African cities. But the generalization of these observations to mean that they are representative of the continent's population is entirely unjustified and can only strengthen the stigmatizing myths.

Keywords:

Africa
Africa, Sub Saharan
Critique
AIDS
HIV Transmission
Sex Behavior
Multiple Partners
Sex Workers
Culture
Transmission
Developing Countries
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Behavior
Sexual Partners
Infections