Family Influence on Adolescent Sexual Behaviour in South Africa

This book explores the connection between family structure and circumstances, parental engagement, and adolescent sexual behavior. Given that South Africa contains the highest portion of the global HIV epidemic within a single country, a comprehensive, book-length investigation into—sometimes risky—adolescent sexual behaviour is necessary. Drawing from the longitudinal Cape Area Panel Study (CAPS) of more than 4,000 adolescents between the ages of fourteen and twenty-two, as well as qualitative interviews and focus group discussions with parents and adolescents, this study pioneers empirical investigation of adolescent sexual behavior within the intricate framework of family dynamics in South Africa.

“Family Influence on Adolescent Sexual Behaviour in South Africa represents a major advancement in our understanding of the complex nature of sexual activity during adolescence and offers a very insightful explanation of both the causes and potential consequences, thereof, within the context of South Africa. Chikovore and Sooryamoorthy make use of a combination of both quantitative and qualitative analyses to explore the various manners by which families can potentially mitigate the influence of many of the larger social factors which might prompt adolescents to engage in risky sexual behaviours. Their book underscores the importance of both nuclear and extended family members in aiding adolescents’ understanding of sexual reproductive health issues. In doing so, their book offers not only a better empirical understanding of adolescent sexual behaviour but also provides useful recommendations which would benefit the development of policies and practices.” (Sampson Lee Blair, The State University of New York, USA, and Editor, Contemporary Perspectives in Family Research)

“This meticulously crafted book explores the impact of the family on shaping sexual behaviour within the South African context. Employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach, Chikovore and Sooryamoorthy's empirical work stands out for its richness and depth. Through their analysis and the adoption of the Life Course Perspective as a theoretical framework, the authors provide nuanced insights into how the family institution and related variables may play a role in mitigating risky sexual behaviours among adolescents. This compelling read is a significant resource for policymakers and healthcare professionals alike. Accessible yet thought-provoking, the book stands as an exemplar of scholarly work and warrants inclusion in any family studies course.” (Ria Smit, Lone Star College, USA)

​“Adolescence is a critical stage of development and any decision made at this stage can have lifelong effect on the individuals involved. This book presents issues relating to different aspects of adolescents’ sexual behaviour including sexual practices and risky behaviour, sexual partnership, adolescent pregnancy and the influence of the family on sexual choices. It discourses risky adolescent sexual behaviour as a public health problem as well as a social concern because of its possibility for poor health outcomes. Relying on the role of behaviour modelling, social ecology, ecological factors, family systems, multi-systems and life course theories coupled with empirical data, the book is able to explore the multidimensional issues shaping individuals’ sexual and reproductive health choices within the context of family environment. I recommend the book for academics and researchers across different disciplines including family studies, sociology, demography, health sciences as well as guidance and counselling among many others. It is also an invaluable asset for policy makers especially in Africa as it provides insights into how the family unit can be repositioned to contribute more effectively to adolescents’ transition into adulthood.” (Joshua Oyeniyi Aransiola, Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria)

"This book advances significantly understandings of young people’s sexual behaviour and family relations in South Africa and globally. The careful examination of the role of family structures, parental, peer and age-disparate relations and family circumstances on young people’s sexuality is much needed, not only in countries affected by the HIV epidemic, but has wider relevance in many global contexts." (Ruth Evans, University of Reading, UK)

Emma Shuvai Chikovore is Postdoctoral Researcher in the School of Built Environment and Development Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

R. Sooryamoorthy is Professor of Sociology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Research Fellow at the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in STI Policy, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.