CHAPTER 4: RESULTS
4.5 Data analysis using Engeström’s model of the activity system
4.5.1 The sexual activity system of an unmarried man
This section draws on the accounts of unmarried men. The activity system in Figure 4.1 below captures the sexual activity system of an unmarried man in the rural research site. It is used to highlight the key components of the activity system and dynamics between them.
In the unmarried man’s activity system of sex, there were several objects that were identified throughout the data. It was clear from the participants’ accounts that the following were the objects of the activity system: being sexually active, sexual experience and sexual pleasure. For instance, many unmarried men complained that condoms reduce sexual pleasure. This was most clear in section 4.2.3, particularly extracts 10, 11 and 12 above, where male participants emphasised the need for sexual gratification.
The finding regarding rules includes peers’ expectations that one must have a relationship, have multiple sexual partners and have sex in a relationship. This was evident in extracts 38, 40 and
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41 above, where participants confirmed that for men, multiple sexual partnerships are common and indeed expected. It was also clear from the findings that unmarried men controlled sexual activity. This aspect relates to the division of labour component of the activity system. For instance, they were in control of whether condoms were used or not used in the activity. This was evident in extracts 53, 54, 55 and 56 above, which illustrate how women are submissive to their partner’s sexual needs and desires.
The community of this activity system consisted of other unmarried men. An analysis of the relationship between the subject and the object of the activity system revealed identity as an outcome of sexual activity. Most unmarried men were sexually active, as those who were not in sexual relationships were ridiculed and called names such as isishumane (a reference to a
‘shoemaker’), as stated in extract 42 above. Being sexually active was a source of identity or reputation among their peers. However, identity, the outcome of this activity, is affected by other negative outcomes of the activity system, such as HIV. The tools that mediated the activity were condoms, safe sex knowledge and messages, and HIV testing. This is evident in extracts 71, 72, and 73 above, where participants said that they commonly use condoms at the beginning of the relationship but for some, once they tested negative for HIV, condom use was no longer necessary (see extract 83 above).
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Subject: (Unmarried man)
Rules
(Should be in a relationship, should have multiple sexual partners, should have sex)
Community
(Unmarried men) Division of labour
Vertical: Initiates and controls the activity
Outcome (Identity, HIV) Mediating artefacts
(Condoms, safe sex knowledge and messages,
HIV testing,)
Object (Sexually active, sexual
pleasure)
Figure 4.1. The model of sexual activity system of an unmarried man.
An examination of the data suggested the presence of tensions in the activity system of sexual activity of an unmarried man. The major tension noted from analysis of interviews and focus groups is between safe sex knowledge (and messages which encourage abstinence) and the expectations of an unmarried man to be sexually active and to engage in multiple partners. As suggested above, the number of sexual partners an unmarried man has, provided him with power and status among peers. The extract reflecting this tension is extract 42 above where a participant argued that “you will never like being called isishumane”.
Despite information and knowledge on how to prevent HIV infection, the need to demonstrate virility amongst peers may prevent unmarried men from rejecting risky sexual behaviours. This becomes a dilemma for unmarried men: an unmarried man can stay away from sexual relationships, but he might not want to because he is concerned about how he will be perceived by his peers. This tension presents a secondary contradiction between the components of the mediating tools (safe sex knowledge and messages) and components of the norms/rules, which expect unmarried men to be sexually active and have multiple partners. It is a weak tension because many unmarried men seem to be sexually active and involved with multiple partners.
This was seen most clearly in section 4.3.3 (extracts 40 and 41), where participants argued that
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having multiple sexual partners gives one a good reputation. An unmarried man is aware of the advantages of staying away from sexual relationships but has much at stake in terms of his status.
There was also tension between the component of the mediating tool of the condom and the object of the activity, sexual pleasure. For unmarried men in this study, having sex was for pleasure purposes and condoms were seen to reduce sexual pleasure. This was most clear in extracts 10, 11 and 12 (in section 4.2.3) above, where male participants argued that condoms reduce sensation. It seems most unmarried men felt that condoms reduce the pleasurable sensations of sex. This creates a dilemma because unmarried men are aware of condom use as protective health behaviour and may not practice safe sexual behaviour if it takes away their gratification. The decrease in sensation when using condoms creates a barrier against actively choosing protected sex.
This tension is a manifestation of a secondary contradiction between the component of the mediating tool of the condom and the object of the activity, sexual pleasure. The tension is also weak because many unmarried men are not willing to use condoms consistently, particularly with their regular partner, because they decrease sexual pleasure. Long-term relationships were considered risk free because known partners were considered safe partners. This was most clear in extracts 71, 72 and 73 in section 4.4.1 above, where participants indicated that they had used condoms only at the beginning of the relationship because they did not yet know each other.