Older men, younger women: blesser–blessee relationships among university students in Durban, South Africa

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa, sexual relationships between younger women and older men have been shown to pose a risk of HIV transmission. In South Africa, there has been growing interest in blesser–blessee relationships. This study explores perceptions of these relationships among university students in Durban, South Africa. The study draws on 15 in-depth interviews with students. Participants suggest that older men engage in these relationships for sexual gratification and younger women do so for monetary or material gain. Interviews revealed that participants believed that these relationships are common with both men and women engaging in them and putting themselves at risk of HIV infection. It is imperative to explore the context and motivation for these relationships because of their broader social and health implications. In addition, greater effort should be geared towards addressing the underlying factors that facilitate blesser–blessee relationships.