Research has shown that youth who are discriminated against and have problems with self-esteem are more likely to behave in risky sexual behaviors. Advocates for Youth did some research, and wrote a paper discussing this problem in youth today.
The Problem
Youth who face prejudices by virtue of their identity, life experience, or family circumstances disproportionately experience teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Research often focuses on the socioeconomic factors—such as poverty, family distress, and access to health care—which contribute to teenage sexual risks. Little research, however, focuses on the effect on young people of discrimination based on their age, race/ethnicity, gender, class, and/or sexual orientation.
The Paper
The paper encourages those who work with youth to understand the impact of prejudice and discrimination on vulnerable adolescents, to assess and address their needs, and to build on their assets. In prevention programming, it is essential to empower young participants by involving them in all aspects of designing and running programs for youth. It is equally essential to provide culturally appropriate interventions, with culturally competent adult and youth staff.
We must Understand the Impact of Prejudice and Discrimination on Young People:
1. The historical and cultural context of reproductive and sexual rights, especially for women of color and low-income women, is one of persistent inequality.
2. Prejudice and discrimination have strongly negative impacts on the health of young people.
3. Young people face barriers and obstacles in sexual and reproductive health programs.
4. Teens who experience prejudice and discrimination may have less self-esteem and fewer resources and skills to meet the challenges that all teens face.
5. Media strongly influence adolescents' self-perceptions and self-concept.
Programs must recognize and deal with the broad social, economic, and political framework within which teens live.
(Davis, Laura – 2003 – Advocates for Youth)
The Problem
Youth who face prejudices by virtue of their identity, life experience, or family circumstances disproportionately experience teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Research often focuses on the socioeconomic factors—such as poverty, family distress, and access to health care—which contribute to teenage sexual risks. Little research, however, focuses on the effect on young people of discrimination based on their age, race/ethnicity, gender, class, and/or sexual orientation.
The Paper
The paper encourages those who work with youth to understand the impact of prejudice and discrimination on vulnerable adolescents, to assess and address their needs, and to build on their assets. In prevention programming, it is essential to empower young participants by involving them in all aspects of designing and running programs for youth. It is equally essential to provide culturally appropriate interventions, with culturally competent adult and youth staff.
We must Understand the Impact of Prejudice and Discrimination on Young People:
1. The historical and cultural context of reproductive and sexual rights, especially for women of color and low-income women, is one of persistent inequality.
2. Prejudice and discrimination have strongly negative impacts on the health of young people.
3. Young people face barriers and obstacles in sexual and reproductive health programs.
4. Teens who experience prejudice and discrimination may have less self-esteem and fewer resources and skills to meet the challenges that all teens face.
5. Media strongly influence adolescents' self-perceptions and self-concept.
Programs must recognize and deal with the broad social, economic, and political framework within which teens live.
(Davis, Laura – 2003 – Advocates for Youth)
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