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STD Information for students

References/ suggested reading material

Migrant Health Service web site

People from non English speaking backgrounds

Australia is a multi-cultural country, however, sexuality has invariably been defined in Anglo-Saxon, male terms. Other cultural groups, particularly those from non-English speaking backgrounds, have norms in relation to sexuality which vary greatly. Specifically, beliefs about multiple sexual partners, sex outside of marriage, and homosexuality can contrast with contemporary Western attitudes.

Open discussion about sexual issues is also considered completely inappropriate in some cultures.

The sexual behaviour of young people from different cultural groups in Australia has been researched and compared to young people from Anglo-Irish or white Australian parentage. One study found that while two-thirds of all male respondents were sexually active by 18 years of age, half as many South-East Asian young men were sexually active. Among female respondents, two-thirds of those born in Australia, other English speaking countries, and Western and Eastern Europe were sexually active by 18 years, but this was less likely to be true of those from Southern Europe, the Middle East, or South-East Asia. In fact, by 18 years of age, 65% of Southern European women and 80% of women from South-East Asia reported that they had not had intercourse. In addition, while most of the white Australian-born group and immigrants from English speaking countries thought that it was acceptable for people to live together without being married, less than half of those from Southern Europe, the Middle East, or South-East Asia approved. (Khoo, 1985)

These variations in sexual norms need to be taken into account in safe sex education. It is very important and far more effective, from both a cultural and language point of view, that educators are from the same cultural background as group participants. It is also important to be aware that same gender facilitators and participants are often essential to some cultural groups.

Written information in the first language of the cultural group is also necessary. Information needs to be culturally appropriate and not simply a direct translation of material written for the Anglo-Saxon community.

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