title: Masculinity and HIV: Dimensions of Masculine Norms that Contribute to Men's HIV-Related Sexual Behaviors.
abstract: Numerous studies have documented a relationship between masculine norms and men's HIV-related sexual behaviors, but intervening upon this relationship requires a nuanced understanding of the specific aspects of masculine norms that shape men's sexual behaviors. We integrate theories on masculinities with empirical HIV research to identify specific dimensions of masculine norms that influence men's HIV-related sexual behaviors. We identify three major dimensions of masculine norms that shape men's sexual behavior: (1) uncontrollable male sex drive, (2) capacity to perform sexually, and (3) power over others. While the existing literature does help explain the relationship between masculine norms and men's sexual behaviors several gaps remain including: a recognition of context-specific masculinities, an interrogation of the positive influences of masculinity, adoption of an intersectional approach, assessment of changes in norms and behaviors over time, and rigorous evaluations of gender-transformative approaches. Addressing these gaps in future research may optimize prevention efforts.
authors.affiliation: Division of Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA. pfleming@ucsd.edu.
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Fleming
authors.affiliation: Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.|Center for AIDS Research, Prevention Sciences & Epidemiology Core, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Ralph J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: DiClemente
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barrington
mesh_terms: D005783:Gender Identity; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D057228:Masculinity; D008571:Men / Q000523:psychology*; D011209:Power, Psychological; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Condom; HIV/AIDS; Masculinities; Sex and gender; Sexualities