Percepções das adolescentes acerca da preservação da virgindade: influência do seu grupo de pares

Abstract

At this work, we seek to understand how are constructed perceptions that adolescents have about the preservation of virginity, taking into account the influence of the peer group. This disquiet arises insofar as issues related to sexuality and especially virginity, in Mozambique, given that the system of domination and patriarchal system still constitute cultural taboos and are therefore less discussed in the various agents of socialization. Therefore, we developed the theme that arises from the need to deepen the reflections on the behavior and practices regarding the virginity of young adolescents in Mozambique, since the tendency for sexual experiences that begin earlier, combined with the lack of information and services increases the risk of premature pregnancy, infection with HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Thus, using the theory of social construction of reality and inductive methods, focus groups and life history to collect data, we found that adolescents are building their perceptions of virginity from the interactions and influences that set and get from their peer group. Thus, the data from our study allowed us to understand that this perception is built in groups of peers with whom adolescents are more closeness and affinity, i.e., outside the family and school; and, on the other hand, it tries to match the mode stereotypical life of this same group; i.e., the fear of being different or excluded from the group, makes their attitudes, behaviors, opinions and decisions reflect the life one leads in groups. (TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)