Discursos y acciones sobre la sexualidad entre adolescentes ecuatorianas en Génova

Abstract

The present paper aims to focus upon young Latino-American immigrants’ discourses over sexuality. Presented data and reflections emerge from a more extensive research project on young immigrant men and women accessing public social and educational services in Genoa (Italy). More in detail, recalling McRobbie’s suggestion (2000), and young immigrant women experiences are put into focus as the topic often appears to be unchallenged in cultural studies over (immigrant) youths.
In recent years, following extensive reports from health and social practitioners, a stereotyped prejudice has grown in local Genoese public opinion over sexual behaviours among young “Latinas” with particular reference to pregnancies/abortion practices and sexual intercourse habits. These images have boost off as sense of “moral” panic in terms of an alleged young Latino-American females’ dissolute behaviour in comparison to their Italian counterparts. On the contrary field data, collected among many of these young women, reveal a totally different image: they are largely aware of their social condition and strive to build an alternative positive social image and identity, far beyond ethnocentric and culturally imposed stereotypes. Ultimately, deepening the question from an inside perspective, these young women provide a strong personal commitment in sticking to personal and socio-cultural values and affirming themselves as positive and stable subjects not only in sexual behaviour terms but as a whole.