Sexual experiences and their correlates among college students in Mumbai City, India

International Family Planning Perspectives, Sep 1999 by Abraham, Leena, Kumar, K Anil

Discussion

Our findings indicate that in this sample of low-income college students in Mumbai, individual and intermediate variables have significant effects on students' sexual behavior, but most familial factors are nonsignificant. However, the extent of sexual experience and the factors influencing sexual behavior differ between male and female students.

Among individual-level variables, male students' age and work status were associated with their sexual behavior, and their personal income had a marginally significant association. The importance of economic activity may reflect that young men are generally expected to bear the expenses incurred during dating, courtship or outings with young women. Furthermore, personal income may enhance young men's opportunities in seeking commercial sex.

During the focus-group discussions and interviews, many male participants reported an uncomfortable family atmosphere due to both the physical conditions of the household (crowded and poor-quality housing) and authoritarian family relationships, a common feature among Indian families; these young men therefore preferred to spend most of their time outside their homes. The survey finding of an association between perceived family environment and young men's likelihood of having any sexual experience, albeit only marginally significant, supports the notion that those who are uncomfortable in their homes may seek companionship elsewhere.

Young women's largely traditional attitudes toward premarital sex and the effects of these attitudes on their sexual behavior reflect societal norms about female sexuality. In India, female sexuality is circumscribed within the institution of marriage for the purpose of procreation. Furthermore, because the honor and dignity of a man and his family are linked to female sexuality, women are expected to postpone intercourse until they marry and then to remain faithful to their husband. However, in the focus groups and interviews, both female and male participants said that they did not consider kissing (which often means kissing on the cheek, forehead or hands, rather than deep kissing or kissing on the lips) and hugging sexual acts; they indicated that these acts are quite common among students and are not taboo.

Findings from the focus-group discussions and interviews showed that female students did not consider it acceptable to have sexual intercourse even with their boyfriend. They were particularly against premarital sex because a young woman cannot be sure whether a relationship will culminate in marriage; if it does not, the young woman could get a "bad name" in her community, which would then jeopardize her marriage prospects. Similarly in the survey, most female respondents agreed that "virginity is a girl's most valuable possession," showing conformity with general social norms. Thus, for young women, the potential consequences of premarital sex, such as pregnancy, desertion by one's future husband, domestic discord and loss of "honor" for self and the family, may deter sexual activity.