Despite decades of effort, the spread of HIV/AIDS continues among many African
young people. A key contributor is unsafe sexual behavior that is desired,
persuaded, or coerced. We explored the masculinity norms shaping pubescent boys'
perceptions of and engagement in (unsafe) sexual behaviors in Tanzania. Through a
comparative case study in rural and urban Tanzania, qualitative and participatory
methods were used with 160 adolescent boys in and out of school to better
understand the social and contextual factors promoting unsafe sexual behaviors.
Adolescent boys in both the rural and urban sites reported struggling with
intense sexual desires, strong peer pressures to have sex, and social norms
dissuading condom use. A growing "normalization" of AIDS suggests messages
promoting the dangers of HIV infection may be less effective. Findings reinforce
the need for interventions with very young adolescents. Research is needed to
identify more effective approaches for promoting safer sexual practices among
boys in sub-Saharan Africa. Harm reduction approaches and gender transformative
approaches might prove more effective than current HIV prevention efforts focused
on youth.