EXHIBITION OF MASCULINITY AMONG MIGRANT MEN: PREDISPOSING FACTOR OF SEXUAL RISK BEHAVIOR

Abstract

Masculinity has been recognized as a significant influence on risky sexual behavior. The migrant men present various sexual risk behaviors. The present study aims to explore migrant men's perspectives on the construction of masculinity and to understand their experiences and engagement in risky sexual behavior in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. This anthropological study included 14 focus group discussions with migrant men aged 18-45 years in the Commercial Market of Rawalpindi. The data were collected from the informal focus group discussions. The data were analyzed by using thematic inductive analysis presented by Clarke. The research results represent that masculine behavior among migrant men leads to risky sexual behavior. It was found that an autonomous living structure with peer groups and increased avenues of expression of sexual desire due to being away from families enhance the risky sexual behavior of migrant men. Such behaviors lead them to indulge in risky sexual practices with low-paid commercial sex workers or non-commercial partners, mostly without availing any protective measures. Furthermore, the normative behavior of migrant men, including peer pressure, economic independence, opportunity structure, and homogeneous population, were the significant factors that led to risky sexual behavior. The study suggests that such behavior remains an essential practice to conform to social expectations and norms aligned with masculinity in the Pakistani urban male population. Therefore, there is a need to address the gender norms that lead to masculine behavior among the migrant population. Keywords: masculinity, risky sexual behavior, migrant men, peer pressure, real man, hegemonic masculinity.