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Sex, ‘soaps’ and HIV: Multiple and concurrent partnerships in South African soap operas

Multiple and concurrent partnerships in South African soap operas

Natalie Ridgard
University of the Witwatersrand
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Sex, ‘soaps’ and HIV: Multiple and concurrent partnerships in South African soap operas. (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 29(1), 40-57. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v29ised-1.1676
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  • Submited: October 16, 2022
  • Published: October 17, 2022

Abstract

The phenomenon of multiple and concurrent partnerships (MCPs) is a key driver of the South
African HIV epidemic. Given that the epidemic is stabilising though not yet declining, reducing
the frequency of MCPs should constitute part of South Africa’s prevention strategy. Soap operas,
with their strong emphasis on sexual intrigue and infidelity, offer an ideal platform for addressing
the risk of MCP.
This article presents quantitative research that explores the extent to which seven locally broadcast
soap operas include sex and HIV in their storylines. It also explores whether a connection is
currently being made between MCPs and the risk of HIV infection. The findings show that sex
is a key component of these soap operas, but is only linked to HIV in two per cent of cases.
In comparison with their real-world occurrence, MCPs, transactional sex and intergenerational
relationships are overrepresented in soap operas. Only eight per cent of soap operas mention
HIV, whether linked to sex or not. This is mostly through storylines featuring ‘stock’ HIV-positive
characters.
These findings feed into a wider discussion around the role and responsibilities of soap operas in
a society grappling with a widespread HIV epidemic.

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How to Cite
Sex, ‘soaps’ and HIV: Multiple and concurrent partnerships in South African soap operas. (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 29(1), 40-57. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v29ised-1.1676

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