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Pleasure, power, and inequality: Incorporating sexuality into research on contraceptive use

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  • Higgins, J.A.
  • Hirsch, J.S.

Abstract

We know surprisingly little about how contraception affects sexual enjoyment and functioning (and vice versa), particularly for women. What do people seek from sex, and how do sexual experiences shape contraceptive use? We draw on qualitative data to make 3 points. First, pleasure varies. Both women and men reported multiple aspects of enjoyment, of which physical pleasure was only one. Second, pleasure matters. Clear links exist between the forms of pleasure respondents seek and their contraceptive practices. Third, pleasure intersects with power and social inequality. Both gender and social class shape sexual preferences and contraceptive use patterns. These findings call for a reframing of behavioral models that explain why people use (or do not use) contraception.

Suggested Citation

  • Higgins, J.A. & Hirsch, J.S., 2008. "Pleasure, power, and inequality: Incorporating sexuality into research on contraceptive use," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(10), pages 1803-1813.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2007.115790_0
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2007.115790
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    Cited by:

    1. Simon P S Kibira & Christine Muhumuza & Justine N Bukenya & Lynn M Atuyambe, 2015. "“I Spent a Full Month Bleeding, I Thought I Was Going to Die…” A Qualitative Study of Experiences of Women Using Modern Contraception in Wakiso District, Uganda," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(11), pages 1-13, November.
    2. Kamila A Alexander & Loretta S Jemmott & Anne M Teitelman & Patricia D'Antonio, 2015. "Addressing sexual health behaviour during emerging adulthood: a critical review of the literature," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(1-2), pages 4-18, January.
    3. Karra, Mahesh & Wilde, Joshua, 2023. "Economic Foundations of Contraceptive Transitions: Theories and a Review of the Evidence," IZA Discussion Papers 15889, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    4. Betzabé Torres-Cortés & Loreto Leiva & Katia Canenguez & Marcia Olhaberry & Emmanuel Méndez, 2023. "Shared Components of Worldwide Successful Sexuality Education Interventions for Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-23, February.
    5. Amaechi D. Okonkwo, 2013. "Generational Perspectives of Unprotected Sex and Sustainable Behavior Change in Nigeria," SAGE Open, , vol. 3(1), pages 21582440124, January.

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