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Masculinity and HIV: Dimensions of Masculine Norms that Contribute to Men’s HIV-Related Sexual Behaviors

AIDS and Behavior volume 20, pages 788–798 (2016)Cite this article

Abstract

Numerous studies have documented a relationship between masculine norms and men’s HIV-related sexual behaviors, but intervening upon this relationship requires a nuanced understanding of the specific aspects of masculine norms that shape men’s sexual behaviors. We integrate theories on masculinities with empirical HIV research to identify specific dimensions of masculine norms that influence men’s HIV-related sexual behaviors. We identify three major dimensions of masculine norms that shape men’s sexual behavior: (1) uncontrollable male sex drive, (2) capacity to perform sexually, and (3) power over others. While the existing literature does help explain the relationship between masculine norms and men’s sexual behaviors several gaps remain including: a recognition of context-specific masculinities, an interrogation of the positive influences of masculinity, adoption of an intersectional approach, assessment of changes in norms and behaviors over time, and rigorous evaluations of gender-transformative approaches. Addressing these gaps in future research may optimize prevention efforts.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the Carolina Population Center for training support (T32 HD007168) and for general support (R24 HD050924). Mr. Fleming was supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases under grant number T32 AI007001 and subsequently by the National Institute on Drug Abuse under grant number T32 DA023356. We would also like to thank the anonymous reviewers who helped to shape this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA

    Paul J. Fleming

  2. Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Ralph J. DiClemente

  3. Center for AIDS Research, Prevention Sciences & Epidemiology Core, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Ralph J. DiClemente

  4. Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Clare Barrington

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  1. Paul J. Fleming
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  2. Ralph J. DiClemente
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  3. Clare Barrington
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Correspondence to Paul J. Fleming.

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Fleming, P.J., DiClemente, R.J. & Barrington, C. Masculinity and HIV: Dimensions of Masculine Norms that Contribute to Men’s HIV-Related Sexual Behaviors. AIDS Behav 20, 788–798 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-015-1264-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-015-1264-y

Keywords

  • HIV/AIDS
  • Masculinities
  • Sex and gender
  • Sexualities
  • Condom