Disempowerment of men in rural and urban East Africa: Implications for male identity and sexual behavior

Patriarchal structures and stereotyped notions of gender hide the increasin g disempowerment of many men in rural and urban East Africa. Socioeconomic change has left men with a patriarchal ideology bereft of its legitimizing activities. Unemployment or low incomes prevent men from fulfilling their m ale roles as head of household and breadwinner. Women's roles and responsib ilities have increased. This affects men's social value, identity and self- esteem. Multi-partnered sexual relationships and sexually aggressive behavi or seem to strengthen male identity and sense of masculinity. Strategies to improve sexual and reproductive health must take into account how socioeco nomic changes have affected traditional gender roles and male sexual behavi or. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.