Bridging The Gap: The Changing Reproductive And Sexual Expectations Of Fijian Men

Abstract

Although much has recently been written on the reproductive health of men, there is relatively little research material on the reproductive and sexual behavior of young men in Fiji and there has been no research to identify factors influencing behavior.In this study an empirical investigation on men's sexual behavior before and after European contact is examined to enable an understanding of the changing cultural expectations and values of sexuality.Social factors currently influencing reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and behavior are also identified. This study uses both quantitative and qualitative research methods including questionnaire interviews,in-depth interviews,focus group discussions,archival materials, informal interviews and participant observation to bridge this gap. Questionnaire interviews were statistically analyzed using bi-variate and multivariate analyses identifying factors that influence reproductive and sexual behavior. Different factors were found to influence different behavior.The thesis identifies socio-demographic factors that influence sexual behavior. These include the sources of information, education,age,religion and religiosity, area of childhood upbringing, parent's occupation, knowledge and attitudes to different sexual behaviors, and knowledge and attitudes to contraceptive use, use of available services, and risk behavior. The research finding shows that Fijian men in 2001 were aware that they play an important role in addressing the reproductive and sexual health issues of the community.However,they are seldom actively engaged in promoting reproductive health because culture dictates that women are responsible for reproductive health issues while men are the main source of income in the family.Traditional values have changed over time and these roles are at times modified or reversed.Western cultural practices brought to Fiji over the past 200 years have resulted in the mixing of culture and uncertainty about the appropriateness of competing values. Traditional institutions for the education of young people are fast being displaced and the traditional family system is crumbling. Alternative institutions have not emerged to offer adequate alternatives.This has resulted in young people being ill informed on sexual and reproductive behaviors. Knowledge and use of available services is very low.The condom is a commonly known contraceptive method but men are not aware of other methods.The results show that contraceptive use is uncommon. Their knowledge is limited because they have a narrow range of sources of information on sexuality and they are misinformed about this taboo topic. The end result is a high incidence of teenage pregnancy and high incidence of STis among the indigenous Fijian population. Attitudes to sexual behaviour,including dating, premarital coitus, homosexuality, and commercial sex workers conform to society's expectations. Although these are not culturally acceptable they are becoming normal practice in society today. Religion influences social attitudes towards sexuality.The main influence is Christianity,introduced in the early nineteenth century. The research shows that knowledge and attitudes to reproductive health behaviour have litde or no influence on behaviour but attitudes do influence engagement in risk taking behaviour. In comparing the historical perspective on men's sexual behaviour to current behaviour, it is observed that the major changes in behavioural norms had already begun by the early twentieth century. Sexuality today is gready influence by religion. There is a need to differentiate between the religious and cultural expectations of sexual and reproductive behaviours.The breakdown of the traditional institutions in society that look after sexual behaviour has led to young men having limited knowledge of sexual health, and also leads to increased risk behaviour. On the basis of this analysis, the thesis argues for institutional renewal to revive appropriate ways to educate men about safe and responsible sexuality. Educating young men about the risks of common sexual behaviours is highlighted as such education can influence behaviour for the better. The study concludes by exploring strategies that could be taken to encourage young men to engage in healthy reproductive behaviour.