DOI
10.1093/socpro/spw031
Abstract
Research suggests that inequality in material conditions contributes greatly to disparities in sexual health among youth; however, scholars have overlooked the effect of one manifestation of social disadvantage—interpersonal discrimination—on sexual health. This article uses data from a nationally representative survey of 15 to 25 year olds (N = 955) to investigate the relationship between interpersonal discrimination and sexual health among heterosexual youth. I examine whether exposure to multiple forms of discrimination (e.g., race and gender) is associated with risky sexual behaviors, as well as STI history, teenage pregnancy, and abortion history. The findings suggest that experiences of multiple forms of discrimination are associated with sexual activity, including early sexual debut and multiple sexual partners. However, discrimination is not linked with condom and contraceptive use, or the negative outcomes of (risky) sexual activity. These findings emphasize the importance of examining, rather than presuming, risk associated with youths’ sexual activity.
Document Type
Post-print Article
Publication Date
2017
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2017 Oxford University Press.
DOI: 10.1093/socpro/spw031
The definitive version is available at: https://academic.oup.com/socpro/article/64/1/156/2670548/Sexual-Health-and-Multiple-Forms-of-Discrimination
Full Citation:
Grollman, Eric Anthony . "Sexual Health and Multiple Forms of Discrimination Among Heterosexual Youth." Social Problems 64, no. 4 (2017): 156-75. doi:10.1093/socpro/spw031.
Recommended Citation
Grollman, Eric Anthony, "Sexual Health and Multiple Forms of Discrimination Among Heterosexual Youth" (2017). Sociology and Anthropology Faculty Publications. 50.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/socanth-faculty-publications/50