WOMEN, STDS AND SAFE SEX - A REVIEW OF THE EVIDENCE

This paper examines the current rates of STDs and unsafe sexual behavi our among young Australian women, and reviews the literature which has attempted to explain the ways in which young women's constructions of sexuality influence their safe sex behaviours. It is argued that, whi le gender inequalities remain central to young women's heterosexual ex periences, ethnicity, class, religion, parents schools and peers all p lay a role in shaping the meanings which they attach to sexual relatio nships and safe sex. In addition, more recent research has highlighted the importance of the different interactional contexts which either f acilitate or inhibit women's safe sex practices. The implications for safe sex education are discussed.