Sexual Construction of Latino Youth: Implications for the Spread of HIV/AIDS

Sexual Construction of Latino Youth: Implications for the Spread of HIV/AIDS

Haworth Hispanic/Latino Press/ Haworth Press, 10 Alice St., Binghamton, NY 13904-1580. 206p., bibliog., index. ISBN 0-7890-0884-X, 0-7890-0885-8pbk. $49.95, $19.95pbk.
Jacobo Schifter, Johnny Madigal. 2000.

This book is the result of studies made in Costa Rica based on "a series of studies in various countries to explore the very real social and cultural contexts in which young people commence and sustain their sexual lives." It discusses why traditional approaches to sex education in Latin America are ineffective and demonstrates what culturally-minded steps need to be taken to teach these youths how to protect themselves. It discusses how the Roman Catholic Church stresses that condom use is immoral; how there is censorship by the media regarding premarital sex and AIDS-related topics; that there is no available sex education for the younger Latinos; that in Latin America, "fear, guilt, disgust, and shame are all used in an attempt to control a young persons' body and assure that all expressions of sexuality are directly related to procreation;" and that young people live at home and are expected to live their lives for their families, not for themselves.

This is an eye-opening book that should be available in all libraries that serve the Latino population. There will some objections voiced since it points out issues concerned with the Roman Catholic Church, the media, and the family. Unfortunately, those people cannot continue to keep their heads in the sand and say there is no problem. They will have to understand what the real facts are and not what Church doctrine dictates or traditional family values have been. Life is precious and much needs to be done to educate these people. The young people no the consequences but they are running into a blank wall when they cry out for help. This is a recommended book for all academic research libraries.

Keywords: Youth; Costa Rica; Sexual Behavior)
010810
BK011093

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