Gendered power relations in sexual relationships among University students: a case study of University of Dar Es Salaam, CASS students

Although gender inequality and power imbalances are said to characterize most of sexual relationships, researchers of gender relations and power has mainly focused their attention on adults and not on young unmarried people. This study sought to find out the university students’ perceptions towards gendered power relations in sexual relationships and the role that power plays in shaping these perceptions and their sexual behaviours. By using Feminist theories that fall under Gender Inequality category, the study focused on questioning and challenging the origins of unequal gender relations, a consequence of a direct power relationship, the pattern of inequality which is incorporated in the deepest and most pervasive ways into society’s organization, a basic structure of domination most commonly by patriarchy. Thus, the theory was used as a lens in analyzing discourse of power relations among unmarried youth. This study utilized a descriptive, non-experimental research design. It involved a mixed method approach. The mix of qualitative and quantitative research approaches was applied. The research techniques used to collect data were in-depth interview and questionnaires. In analyzing the collected information, the researcher utilized the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for quantitative data and thematically analysis for qualitative data. The results showed that, both male and female university students are aware of the existing inequitable and equitable gender norms; and their perceptions towards these norms are inclined to support the equality and equity between sexes. However, this study has found out that contrary to university students’ understanding of gendered equity and equality, their responses show that gendered power shapes their sexual relationships especially when it involves issues related to condom negotiations ability, power to initiate sex and control over decision making. From the findings, it was recommended that university community should strive to address gender inequitable norms among university students so that their sexual relationships become meaningful to both partners instead of the current situation when female students are objects of power in relationships.