True Love and Time Pass: Sexual Behavior of Metropolitan Slum Youth in India

Abstract

Today's youth is fast changing and developing rebel to conservativeness of society. Their attitude is shifting from romantic relationship to casual sex. West influenced societal norms and liberal sexual culture in metros offers varied avenues for sexual experiences adding opportunity for sexual liaisons. In the present study, we report findings derived from a study in the slums of Mumbai with a randomized cluster sample of 1239 men aged 18-29 using indepth interviews and survey. Results show, 80% of romantic relationships are translated to sexual relations. 10% of respondents reported multi-partner behavior in last one year and 1/5th of respondents reported their "girlfriend" as married. Study reveals that peer network, self assessment as sexual partner and perceived relational satisfaction with girlfriend are significantly affecting safe sexual behavior and coercive sex. Multi-partner behavior is affecting condom use negatively, but catalyzing alcohol use and coercive sex. Findings facilitate understanding of changing sexual culture and behavior, growing liberal sexual attitude and increased vulnerability among the youth. Programmes to fully inform and equip youth to make safe choices is required for ramification of sexual risk behaviour and the interface of alcohol use and risky sexual behavior especially in casual relations.