The Breakdown of Societal Norms, Practices, and the Transformation of Adolescent Sexual Behaviour: A case study of Lang’ata Ward; Nairobi County, Kenya

Masime , Francess C.A. (2013) The Breakdown of Societal Norms, Practices, and the Transformation of Adolescent Sexual Behaviour: A case study of Lang’ata Ward; Nairobi County, Kenya. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The main objective of the study was to examine the breakdown of societal norms & practices, vis-à-vis the transformation of adolescent sexual behaviour in Lang’ata ward; Kenya. This was mainly a qualitative study with the major methods of data collections being in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and documentary evidence. Quantitative data, collected through questionnaire method was used to supplement the qualitative data. Study findings revealed the breakdown of societal norms and practises and the initiation ceremonies that were used to prepare and educate the youth on issues of their sexuality have lost their value and in some instances do not exist completely. Thus youth in the Ward are not properly guided on their sexuality and many do not discuss the subject as they believe that it would be interpreted as evidence of sexual involvement. Findings also indicate that religious institutions hamper the dispensation of sex education and their unwillingness to accept changes, new ideas and the global sex culture is very devastating for their members. Thirdly, study findings indicate that the sexual socialisation process is conducted tutors and counsellors in schools unlike in the traditional years where elders took full charge of the process. Hence, the study concluded that, owing to the breakdown of societal norms, practices in Lang’ata Ward, adolescent sexual behaviour has greatly transformed and youth engage in risky behaviours such as homosexuality, lesbianism, transactional sex, live sex shows with multiple partners. The study recommends the formulation of appropriate intervention strategies, the availing of reproductive health information and guidance & counselling for the youth; so that they can make informed choices vis-à-vis their sexuality. Forums where parents can learn about parental-child/children communication and attitude change in relation to youth sexuality would be extremely beneficial.

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