Recognition and inequalities in older adults' sexuality in Chile.

Introduction: This paper explores older adults' perceptions on sexuality and affectivity in Chile, according to class and sex. Methods: The study is based on computer-assisted telephonic interviews with people aged 60 and over, men and women (n = 481). Data were analyzed using chi-squared tests and binary logistic regressions. Results and discussion: Maintaining an active sex life is important for older adults of both sexes, contradicting the commonsense view according to which the relevance allocated to sex decreases significantly with age. However, the data show significant differences in perceptions by sex, suggesting that gendered conceptions regarding sexuality are influential along the entire life cycle. There are also relevant differences according to class, revealing the inequalities present in the expression of sexuality in Chile.

Sex, Gender and Class: An Analysis of Chilean Young People's Intimate Life.

This article analyzes some aspects of Chilean young people's (aged 15-29) sex life according to sex and socioeconomic background. Using data from the Tenth National Youth Survey, descriptive and inferential analyses were carried out to test possible differences in sexual practices according to these variables. Results show that young Chileans are increasingly diversifying sexual practices. Differences in age at the first sexual relationship between men and women are also becoming less clear; likewise, differences found by socioeconomic background were also weak, suggesting that some practices are common across different groups of youth. The most significant differences found concern certain practices (oral and anal sex), the number of sexual partners men and women have, and the type of relationship (romantic partner, friend, acquaintance) in which sexual encounters take place. We conclude that young people's sexual practices are increasingly being oriented toward self-exploration and personal satisfaction, and less toward the (traditional) goal of forming a family. Nonetheless, the existence of a "double standard" regarding sexual morals can still account for contrasting behaviors according to sex, suggesting the persistence of a gendered normativity. Also, sexual exploration often occurs without adequate information, reducing youngsters' ability to reduce risks or prevent undesired consequences.