SEX IN THE CONTEXT OF AIDS
Reflections on Sex in an African Society and its Representation in Academia
Rachel Spronk
Much research on sexuality in Africa is framed within the Aids paradigm. In general it can be said that the quantification of sex in terms of behavioural frequencies and attitudinal scores has characterised much of the research in the field of sexuality in Africa to date. Ignoring the complexity of sexuality, its multiple meanings, sensations and connections, implies a serious flaw in the formation of knowledge about sexuality in African societies. This paper is intended as a critical reflection about existing and alternative approaches to both Aids and sexuality research. The challenge of sexuality research is that the power of sex cannot be negated, neither be simplified to an un-dialectical focus. As such, I aim to reflect on sexual pleasure in the context of Aids among urban young adults in Nairobi. Focussing on young professionals is particularly interesting because of their pursuit for sexual pleasure as a means for identifying contemporary personhood.
