Citation

Szasz I. Reprod. Health Matters 1998; 6(12): 97-104.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S0968-8080(98)90012-X

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper reviews studies on the meaning of sexuality and masculine identity among Mexican men of different ages, both rural and urban, including migrant, working class and middle class men. Mexican men report very different sexual behaviour from Mexican women, which gives insight into social norms. Sexual prowess is seen as a way of proving masculinity, especially if a man lacks economic resources. Erections and penetration are considered the most valuable forms of male sexual expression; the male genitals represent courage, pride, arrogance, strength and well-being. Working class men in particular do not discuss their actual sexual experiences in gathering places in a serious way, but boast about and compare sexual conquests and participate in various forms of collective sex to prove themselves. The belief that men must have sex, combined with a contempt for weakness and passivity, embodied by women and young boys and by men considered effeminate, underpins men seeking to have manypartners, as well as sexual violence and abuse. Many men had experienced sexual violence or abuse themselves as children. These meanings may contribute to the low use of contraception and safer sexpractices among Mexican men, with implications for reproductive health.