Navigating shame to negotiate sexual agency among British-born South Asian women: A grounded theory study.

Abstract

Constructivist grounded theory was used to explore perceptions and experiences of sexual health among British-born South Asian women, aged 18-25 who lived in North-West England. We aimed to explore whether and how women were influenced by religion and socio-cultural factors. Participants (n=16) took part in either interviews or focus groups.

A theoretical framework focusing on how women navigated shame to negotiate sexual agency was developed. Culture and religious values prohibited sex-based relationships before marriage, which meant accessing support could prove problematic. Women demonstrated different levels of agency through finding ways to maintain secret relationships and to navigate access to healthcare services.