“Premature” Girls with “Illegitimate” Diseases: A Qualitative Exploration of the Stigma of Gynecological Diseases for Unmarried Young Women in China

Abstract

Stigma has been a prominent barrier in women’s pursuit of better sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Specifically, evidence supports the stigmatization of gynecological diseases (GDs) for unmarried young women. Drawing upon the model of social identity threats, this study explored the GD stigma and social identity threats faced by unmarried young women in China with 26 in-depth interview data. The interpersonal, socio-cultural, and intrapersonal layers of GD stigma were identified. First, participants’ disclosure and concealment of GDs concerning different significant others were contrasted as an interpersonal layer and voluntary response to social identity threats. In participants’ GD experiences, peers stood out for providing emotional, tangible, and informational support, while parents were most often avoided for anticipated stigma. Second, collective representations of GDs and the cultural rationale in the socio-cultural layer were probed. The traditional and modernized sexual norms centering on the legitimacy of premarital sex and SRH knowledge were unveiled. At last, the interpersonal layer was identified. Unmarried young patients suffered social identity threats regarding their independence, sexual agency, and bodily awareness. This is one of the first studies that investigated the underappreciated GD stigma in China. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.