Publication: Alcohol consumption, brothel attendance, and condom use: Normative expectations among Thai military conscripts
1
Issued Date
1996-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
07455194
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-0030227845
Rights
Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Medical Anthropology Quarterly. Vol.10, No.3 (1996), 402-423
Suggested Citation
Kathleen M. Macqueen, Taweesak Nopkesorn, Michael D. Sweat, Yothin Sawaengdee, Timothy D. Mastro, Bruce G. Weniger Alcohol consumption, brothel attendance, and condom use: Normative expectations among Thai military conscripts. Medical Anthropology Quarterly. Vol.10, No.3 (1996), 402-423. doi:10.1525/maq.1996.10.3.02a00070 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/17842
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Title
Alcohol consumption, brothel attendance, and condom use: Normative expectations among Thai military conscripts
Abstract
This article investigates the relationship between alcohol consumption and inconsistent condom use with brothel-based commercial sex workers among Thai military conscripts in Northern Thailand. Data from 10 focus groups indicate that alcohol consumption (1) is consciously used by men to reduce inhibitions that constrain their interpersonal interaction with women and with each other; (2) reduces inhibitions of individuals to sexual risk taking; (3) provides a socially acceptable excuse for nonuse of condoms; (4) is associated by conscripts with brothel attendance; and (5) is seen to enhance male sexual pleasure, in contrast to condoms, which are said to reduce pleasure. Understanding the culturally defined expectations that surround alcohol consumption and sexual behavior is critical for developing realistic interventions to reduce HIV transmission.