Constructing sexual identities withing 'sugar daddy' relationships: a case study of sexuality constructs among students at the University of the Witwatersrand

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research investigates self-constructs of female sexuality among students at the University of the Witwatersrand who are engaging in ‘sugar daddy’ relationships (SDRs). I shall focus on how young women understand and enact their sexuality within these relationships and how they navigate the social, cultural and economic structures in which these relationships take place. Insights into how individuals conceptualize sex, sexuality, their given meanings and how they situate their sexual selves in these transactional relationships is sought. Further, sexuality is placed in a theoretical framework of structure and agency. How power is being exerted and inhibited on various levels will be explored within a context of vulnerability to HIV/AIDS infection. This research is critical given the high HIV prevalence rate amongst young black women in South Africa. Critical realist discourse analysis will be utilized to analyze narratives. The development of a rapport with young women in SDR has given me an ‘insider’ perspective and privilege to conduct this research.