Understanding how social norms influence access to and utilization of adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in Northern Nigeria
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Social norms in Northern Nigeria strongly enforce early marriage, high fertility expectations, and male authority over reproductive decisions, significantly limiting adolescents’ access to and utilization of modern contraceptive services. Norms around chastity, family honor, and fertility not only stigmatize unmarried adolescents who seek contraception but also render married adolescents—especially girls—powerless to […]
Tracing change in female genital mutilation/cutting through social networks: An intersectional analysis of the influence of gender, generation, status, and structural inequality
Key Social Norms Take-aways: In Senegal, social norms surrounding FGM/C are deeply embedded in gendered ideas of morality, femininity, and social inclusion. The study shows that these norms are not monolithic but vary significantly by region, ethnicity, and social status. In South Senegal, norms linking FGM/C to marriageability, virtue, and social support remain strongly upheld, […]
Tracing change in female genital mutilation/cutting: Shifting norms and practices among communities in Narok and Kisii counties, Kenya
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Shifting social norms—particularly around marriageability, sexual morality, and ethnic identity—are central to understanding both persistence and change in female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in Kenya’s Narok and Kisii counties. While health risk messaging has increased public awareness, it has not substantially changed norms rooted in tradition, identity, and fear of social sanctions. […]
The influence of perceived behaviour control, attitude and empowerment on reported condom use and intention to use condoms among adolescents in rural Tanzania
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Social norms—including peer and community expectations, gender dynamics, and religious views—exert indirect but powerful influence on adolescents’ sexual behaviors in rural Tanzania. Although subjective norms were not statistically significant predictors in this study, the broader social environment shaped young people’s sense of agency, their ability to negotiate condom use, and the […]
The relationship between Nairobi adolescents’ media use and their sexual beliefs and attitudes.
Key Social Norms Take-aways: The study underscores the importance of recognizing how adolescents’ exposure to media shapes their ideas of what is “normal” sexual behavior among peers and reinforces gender stereotypes. Efforts to address sexual health and reduce risk-taking among youth should include media literacy approaches that help adolescents critically engage with the sexual norms […]
The Relationship Between Parental Mediation of Adolescent Media Use and Ugandan Adolescents’ Sexual Attitudes and Behavior
Key Social Norms Take-aways: This study shows that in Uganda, adolescents’ sexual attitudes and behaviors are shaped not only by media content but also by the social context in which media is consumed. Watching media—particularly sexual content—with opposite-sex peers was associated with more permissive attitudes toward casual sex. Parental efforts to limit media exposure, a […]
Social norms, agency, and marriage aspirations in Malawi
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Community norms around the youngest acceptable age of marriage influence adolescent boys’ marriage aspirations but have little to no impact on girls’ aspirations. Instead, adolescents’ own beliefs about acceptable marriage age are consistently associated with when they aspire to marry. These findings suggest that while social norms matter, their influence is […]
Social norms, attitudes, and access to modern contraception for adolescent girls in six districts in Uganda
Key Social Norms Take-aways: The study reveals that prevailing social norms in Uganda often inhibit adolescent girls’ access to contraception, especially in certain districts. The belief that adolescent girls should not access contraceptives is widely shared, driven by community attitudes linking contraception with promiscuity, particularly for unmarried or young women. These norms vary significantly by […]
Social norms and child marriage in Cameroon: An application of the theory of normative spectrum.
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Social norms governing child marriage can differ vastly even within a single country. This study demonstrates that norm strength determines how likely individuals are to conform or resist practices like early marriage. Understanding whether a norm is merely possible, tolerated, appropriate, or obligatory helps practitioners design targeted, effective interventions. For instance, […]
Social network and social normative characteristics of married female adolescents in Dosso, Niger: Associations with modern contraceptive use
Key Social Norms Take-aways: Social norms—particularly injunctive norms upheld by family—significantly affect girls’ FP use. Kinship networks, more than peers, shape norms around fertility and contraception. Restrictive norms, especially around new brides and motherhood, contribute to social isolation and limited autonomy. Effective FP programs must address these normative environments by engaging family members and fostering […]