| Room 524-C | Sexuality and Gender Thursday, July 14, 2005 Time: 8:30 AM-10:30 AM |
Sexual Changes in Antofagasta, Chile from the Standpoint of Social Psychology.
Barrientos Delgado, Jaime Eduardo*,1, Silva Segovia, Jimena*,2, 1 Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Catolica del Norte, Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile2 Carrera de Psicología, Sede Antofagasta, Universidad del Mar, Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
ABSTRACT- Introduction and objetives: This study aims at describing sexual behavior in Antofagasta, Chile, from the standpoint of social psychology. Specifically, the purpose of the study was described the changes in sexual behaviour, sexual attitudes and AIDS in Antofagasta, Chile. This study is a major milestone in the study of sexuality in the North of Chile. We use both a survey and interviews. In a survey participants were 526 subjects (ages 18-69 years). It was used a cross-sectional survey with a probability sample. Data were collected using a complete sexual behavior questionnaire (face-to-face questions and self-reported questions). We did too 52 interviews during 2 hours. Specifically, we assessed different sexual behavior variables in our survey and interviews included the following sets of questions: sociodemographic background, cultural norms regarding sexuality, communication and rules, sexual negotiation, sexual initiation, protection and condom use, sexual partnership and sexual practices, commercial sex, rape, HIV/AIDS and income. We use a life-course perspective and the sexual scripts theory. Results and conclusions: Results shows that in Antofagasta and in Chile too is producing an important transformation both in sexual and gender values. Probably, one of the most important findings in our study is the processes that have led to the flexibility of sexual roles and cultural norms regarding sexuality since the late 1970s even the role of Catholic Church on social policy, the people church attendance and the consequences of military dictatorships on Chilean sexuality. This process led to the transformation in sexuality, gender relation and family structure in Antofagasta. The results suggest even the role of Catholic Church on social policy and the role of military dictatorships on Chilean sexuality, the Chilean sexual life and sexual scripts are changing, producing gender and sexual relations more equitative.
Key words: Chile, Antofagasta, Sexual Changes, Sexual Scripts, Life-course perspective