Economic vulnerability and young people's sexual relationships in rural Uganda

Abstract

Drawing on findings from a two-year in-depth qualitative study conducted in three rural areas in Uganda, this paper describes the ‘systematic structuring of vulnerability’ arising from young women's experiences of economic insecurity, and the impact this has on sexual decision-making and practices. It describes economic insecurity within young people's households, perceived gaps in parental provision for young women's basic needs, and the restrictions experienced by young women and men when trying to generate their own income. By examining the links between these experiences of economic vulnerability and young people's sexual decision-making and practices, this paper offers important pointers to the development of future approaches to sexual health programming which incorporate strategies to enhance young people's independent income generation opportunities and reduce their experiences of economic insecurity at home.