Modernization and Teenage Sexual Activity in Zambia

Abstract

One of the major social problems in sub-Saharan Africa today is teenage pregnancy. In this article, the authors test a model based on modernization theories that attempt to explain the widespread prevalence of teenage sexual activity in African countries such as Zambia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Students were randomly selected from seven secondary schools in two Zambian cities, Lusaka and Kitwe. There were 527 adolescent respondents in the sample. Results of this study do not support modernization theories of teen sexual activity. In addition, the authors find that traditional institutions such as initiation ceremonies continue to influence sexual activity levels. These findings raise interesting questions for future investigations.

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