Open Access“An Unchanging God in a Changing World”: Sexual Practice and Decision-Making among Christian Women in South Africa
Author(s) -
Shehani Perera,
Alison Swartz
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of religion and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.548
H-Index - 40
eISSN - 1573-6571
pISSN - 0022-4197
DOI - 10.1007/s10943-021-01305-7
Subject(s) - focus group , thematic analysis , poverty , public health , reproductive health , sociology , gender studies , psychology , human sexuality , social psychology , qualitative research , medicine , political science , social science , demography , population , law , nursing , anthropology
This study explored the relationship between sexual health and religion among young, Pentecostal Christian women navigating the transition to adulthood in Khayelitsha township, in the City of Capetown, South Africa. Between February and August 2019, eleven semi-structured interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted. Thematic analysis and discourse analysis were used to analyse the data collected. The study found that the relationship between sexual health and religion was complex and multifaceted, shaped by the religious dichotomisation of "right" and "wrong", socio-economic constraints and culture. Despite the perceived decline of religious influence on the sexual and social lives of youth, religion continues to play an instrumental role in shaping the dreams, aspirations and lifestyles of young people, especially as they transition to adulthood. We argue therefore, that religion is a significant spiritual and cultural resource that young women use to develop their sexual and social identities, although it cannot always be equated with their sexual practice or decision-making related to sexual health. In the light of this, churches should still be seen as key partners in the fight against HIV as their involvement can act as a stabilising force for young people dealing with poverty and uncertainty. Church engagement with young people should offer programmes that include but are not limited to sexual health.