DESTINATIONS UNKNOWN - THE GENDER CONSTRUCTION AND CHANGING NATURE OFTHE SEXUAL EXPRESSIONS OF THAI YOUTH

This paper discusses qualitative findings from a study of the sexual a wareness, lifestyles and related health service needs of young, single factory workers in Thailand. The context of this study is Thailand's growing industrialization, the deepening intensity of the threats to s exual health (especially regarding HIV/AIDS transmission) and the vuln erability of young migrant women. Findings from 18 focus group discuss ions held with groups of young (15-24) male and female factory workers are outlined with principal reference to the gender construction of s exuality. Key themes explored include attitudes towards courtship, mar riage, sexual feelings and arousal, expressions of involvement in pre- marital sexual activities and the consequences of such activity. In co nclusion there is some discussion of the implication for young women's sexual health, of the interplay of a measure of pre-marital intercour se and the continuing emotional barriers to effective use of contracep tion.