Abstract

MACHADO-PAIS, José. Youth sexuality and social change: the case of Portugal. Salud pública Méx [online]. 2003, vol.45, suppl.1, pp.s26-s33. ISSN 0036-3634.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the new generations are creating new social values in the current setting of deep social change. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using the generations method (Mannheim), a survey was conducted in 1996, among 2 012 residents of Portugal, to collect data on values and generations of the Portuguese population. The SPAD statistical analysis program was used to perform a multiple correspondence factorial analysis, in addition to a cluster-type analysis. RESULTS: The main generational gaps were found in sexual attitudes and practices. Findings showed that groups and aggregates have overrepresentation indices for specific generations, e.g., hedonistic interviewees are characterized by a high index of overrepresentation of youngsters, in contrast to the moralistic or the inhibited subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Portuguese youngsters are depicted as a generation with hedonistic and experimental values regarding love and sex life. However, youngsters are at the same time characterized by both their vulnerability and risk behaviors.

Keywords : social change; youth sexuality; generations; Portugal.

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