Sexualidad juvenil y cambio social: El caso de Portugal

Abstract

Objective. To investigate whether the new generations are creating new social values in the current setting of deep social change. Material and methods. Using the generations method (Mannheim), a survey was conducted in 1996, among 2 012 residents of Portugal, to collect data on values and generations of the Portuguese population. The SPAD statistical analysis program was used to perform a multiple correspondence factorial analysis, in addition to a cluster-type analysis. Results. The main generational gaps were found in sexual attitudes and practices. Findings showed that groups and aggregates have overrepresentation indices for specific generations, e.g., hedonistic interviewees are characterized by a high index of overrepresentation of youngsters, in contrast to the moralistic or the inhibited subjects. Conclusions. Portuguese youngsters are depicted as a generation with hedonistic and experimental values regarding love and sex life. However, youngsters are at the same time characterized by both their vulnerability and risk behaviors.