Sexual network partners in Tanzania
-
Jennifer Harman
Abstract
This qualitative analysis of transcripts from focus groups with men and women in Tanzania explores how patriarchal power is reflected in labels used to describe individuals who engage (or not) in multiple and concurrent sexual partnerships. Label research and muted group theory provide theoretical frames to assess how sexual network-related labels are used by women and men. The use of power-embedded labels was found to show women’s identities and agency as muted while maintaining gender inequality through language. Ramifications for sexual health interventions developed in contexts undergoing economic development, increasing egalitarianism, and social modernization are discussed.
Abstract
This qualitative analysis of transcripts from focus groups with men and women in Tanzania explores how patriarchal power is reflected in labels used to describe individuals who engage (or not) in multiple and concurrent sexual partnerships. Label research and muted group theory provide theoretical frames to assess how sexual network-related labels are used by women and men. The use of power-embedded labels was found to show women’s identities and agency as muted while maintaining gender inequality through language. Ramifications for sexual health interventions developed in contexts undergoing economic development, increasing egalitarianism, and social modernization are discussed.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- The expression of inequality in interaction. Power, dominance and status 1
-
Part I. Focus on third persons
- Representing inequality in language 17
- Sexual network partners in Tanzania 49
- A “rape victim” by any other name 81
- Unveiling the phantom of the "Islamic takeover" 105
- Power eliciting elements at the semantic-pragmatic interface 143
-
Part II. Focus on speaker/author
- Powerless language 165
- A true authoritarian type 193
- We and I , and you and them 213
- Language, normativity and power 239
- Subject index 265
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- The expression of inequality in interaction. Power, dominance and status 1
-
Part I. Focus on third persons
- Representing inequality in language 17
- Sexual network partners in Tanzania 49
- A “rape victim” by any other name 81
- Unveiling the phantom of the "Islamic takeover" 105
- Power eliciting elements at the semantic-pragmatic interface 143
-
Part II. Focus on speaker/author
- Powerless language 165
- A true authoritarian type 193
- We and I , and you and them 213
- Language, normativity and power 239
- Subject index 265
