Sexuality and Risks: Gendered Discourses about Virginity and Disease among Young Women of Mexican Origin

Abstract

This paper explores the constructions of sexuality and risk by young Mexicanas in California, comparing high school students and university students. These women are at risk of sexually transmitted infections as well as pregnancy and negotiate these risks in relation to contradictory gendered discourses. In a college environment or in migrant communities, women are exposed to questions about their reputation as “mujeres decentes.” Drawing on focus groups, life histories, and participant observation with young women of Mexican origin, we show how they negotiate contradictory gendered discourses. We argue that in this highly fluid and fraught context, young women have difficulty negotiating safer sexual practices and often make decisions that place them at risk of sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy.