Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper charts the relationship between different forms of sex work and the negotiation of risk in Sub-Saharan Africa. Based on a set of 46 interviews with sex workers and bar-managers in rural Malawi, we show how different patterns of sex work are embedded in working conditions. Bar-girls and freelance sex workers work in difference contexts: whereas bar girls must juggle sex work with both other requirements and a work environment that ties her to a specific patron, freelancers are free of these constraints, but lack a social network they can fall upon. These differences are then translated into the ability of sex workers to negotiate safe sex with clients, and the possibility of fostering stable romantic relationships. Bar girls, having a stable work environment and work ties, are much better able to negotiate safe sex as well entertain stable romantic relationships, whereas freelancers often must sacrifice safety and relationships in order to make a living. Through this case, we call into attention the role of institutional embededness and the daily practices of work both for negotiating the risks of HIV and AIDS, and for the construction of identity in sex work in sub-Saharan Africa.

Publication Type: Invited Paper
Abstract: Recent research examining the prosocial effects of entertainment television on safer sex attitudes and practices, has yielded inconsistent results, particularly by gender, perhaps because this research typically examines genres viewed heavily among females (e.g., daytime and primetime soap operas). The present experiment randomly assigned college students to view one of three versions of an unplanned, teen pregnancy storyline in a situation-comedy (pregnancy storyline with humor, pregnancy storyline with the jokes that add comic relief at serious moments in the pregnancy storyline removed, no pregnancy storyline). This manipulation will test competing theoretical questions about the role of humor as a way of attracting attention and careful processing versus that of a discounting cue for TV viewers. Posttest measures assessed reactions to the program, characters, and safer sex outcomes—including actual behavior. Participants were queried again two weeks later, given recent evidence that humorous messages can lead to sleeper effects. This study advances research by addressing the role of genre and humor in gender differences in entertainment-education effects.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of communication on couple relationships during the time of pregnancy. Pregnancy has been identified as a time of crisis for many couples and little research has explored the role of communication during this life-changing event. The WEHIS, Women’s Experience of Heterosexual Intercourse Scale, developed by Birnbaum et al. (2001) was adapted and used to assess sexual communication and its effects on relationship satisfaction. In the present study pregnant women and, in some cases, their partners completed a questionnaire. The initial research question explored the relationship between talk about sex and sexual frequency. Results of this study concluded that couples who talk (versus do not talk) about sex actually engage in sex more frequently. The study also hypothesized that couples who talk about sex during pregnancy experience more pleasure during sex. It was concluded that talking about sex does not have a direct effect on the pleasure an individual experiences during sex. Finally, as predicted, couples who experience more pleasure during sex throughout pregnancy report being more satisfied with their relationship.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The theoretical literature presents conflicting expectations about the effects of substantive representation on policy outcomes that matter to women. Some researchers shown that the effects are weak at best while others report a much stronger relationship. The essential weakness of these studies is that they are single country analysis of women representation in the U.S and Western Europe and the findings could be an artifact of the peculiarities of gender politics in western societies. This research asks: does the representation of women in positions of political power affect the likelihood that countries are more likely to comply with international regime rules against the trafficking of women and children for the sex trade? I empirically assess the effects of the percent of women parliamentarians and the percent of women cabinet ministers (controlling for other variables of interest) for 145 countries using an Ordered Probit statistical model. The results suggest that increases in the percentage of women parliamentarians and cabinet ministers significantly increased the probability that countries comply with international regime rules against sex trafficking.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: All evidence to date indicates that African Americans and Latinos are disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States. The primary mode of transmission and risk factor is men who have sex with men (MSM). Within the MSM of color population, there are a significant number of men who have sex with both men and with women (MSM/W), yet who do not identify as bisexual or gay. Due to its hidden nature, this sub-population of MSM faces much greater HIV risk. This paper presents data and findings from a Rapid Assessment and Response Evaluation (RARE) project conducted in San Diego with a multi-ethnic sample of MSM and MSM/W. The paper addresses limitations in HIV prevention efforts by discussing the connections between and impact of 1) contextual structural and cultural factors; 2) individual psychological and demographic characteristics of MSM and MSM/W of color, and 3) prevention strategies targeting MSM of color. The role of negative cultural attitudes about sex and HIV/AIDS, self-esteem, substance use and lack of general knowledge about HIV/AIDS and HIV interventions are explored. The paper concludes by making programmatic and policy recommendations to improve HIV prevention efforts for MSM and MSM/W of color.