A qualitative exploration of perceptions of anal sex: implications for sex education and sexual health services in England

HIRST, Julia, PICKLES, James, KENNY, Megan, BERESFORD, Ruth and FROGGATT, Chloe (2022). A qualitative exploration of perceptions of anal sex: implications for sex education and sexual health services in England. Culture, Health and Sexuality.

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Official URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13691...
Open Access URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/136910... (Published)
Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2022.2037020
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    Abstract

    Existing research into anal sex has centred on androcentric, medicalised parameters that focus on risk and health implications, leading to a lack of focus on women's experiences. Research that has focused on women’s experiences has centred on concern around young women’s anal sex practices, with little exploration of why people participate in anal sex and neglect of its relational and pleasure-based dimensions. The present study sought to explore these concerns via data gathered using focus groups and individual interviews with a range of individuals including sexual health practitioners and young people. Data were thematically coded, with results centred on three themes: anal sex as deviance, anal sex as phallocentric, and anal sex as agentic. Results suggest a pattern of perceptions and narratives that has potential to undermine honest education, advice-giving and safer sex if they are not addressed and questioned in safe spaces, prior to work with young people. The implications of these findings on sexual health education are discussed.

    Item Type: Article
    Uncontrolled Keywords: Public Health; 1117 Public Health and Health Services; 1608 Sociology; 2002 Cultural Studies
    Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2022.2037020
    SWORD Depositor: Symplectic Elements
    Depositing User: Symplectic Elements
    Date Deposited: 09 Feb 2022 16:16
    Last Modified: 11 Oct 2022 02:02
    URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29714

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