AFRO-NETS> Culture, Identity and Reproductive Failure in Zimbabwe

[Agnes O Runganga <agnes@ecoweb.co.zw>]

Culture, Identity and Reproductive Failure in Zimbabwe
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by Agnes O. Runganga, Johanne Sundby and Peter Aggleton
Sexualities - Vol. 4(3): 315-332
Copyright © 2001 SAGE Publications
(London, Thousand Oaks, CA and New Delhi)

This publication describes findings from a study of reproductive 
failure conducted in Zimbabwe. It examines the perspectives of men 
and women who believed they were potential reproductive failures by 
not having the socially expected numbers and types of children. In-
depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to explore the 
meanings of reproductive failure and their links to local beliefs and 
culture, sexual behaviour and gender identities, and HIV prevention. 
Among study participants, a preoccupation with conception undermined 
the adoption of what are currently regarded as safer sexual behav-
iours. In seeking to overcome what was seen as reproductive failure, 
men, and women to a lesser extent, engage in unprotected sex with 
multiple concurrent and serial partners. Such behaviours are given 
meaning by long-held local beliefs concerning the importance of 
childbearing for individuals and for the wider community. These be-
liefs need to be taken seriously by future programmes and interven-
tions to promote sexual and reproductive health.

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Agnes O Runganga
Human Behaviour Research Centre
Harare, Zimbabwe
mailto:agnes@ecoweb.co.zw

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