Influence of feminist identity on the sexual health behavior of emerging adult women

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of a woman's feminist identity on her sexual health behavior, experiences, and perspectives. Thirteen women (ages 18 - 24) were recruited through Oklahoma State University and were interviewed between the months of April and June of 2020. The primary topics addressed with participants were: 1) contraceptive use and negotiation; 2) power dynamics within relationships; 3) history of sexual health behavior; 4) perceptions of feminism, sex, and sexual health; 5) sexual experiences; and, 6) reproductive healthcare provider experiences. This inquiry established five main conclusions: 1) feminist women place great importance upon bodily autonomy; 2) feminist women largely reject patriarchal power dynamics within sexual and romantic relationships; 3) feminist women have a heightened awareness of widespread sexism towards women; 4) feminist women realize that sexual health is more than physical health; and 5) feminist women experience many barriers towards reaching optimal sexual health. The results of this study illustrate how life experiences and identity have the capacity to shape one another, particularly in cases of trauma. Instilling feminist values or using feminist methods to educate students may prove to be useful in encouraging them to see sexual health from a more holistic perspective.