In this study, we explored the contextual elements that influence the construction of male gender roles and sexuality among Puerto Rican heterosexual male college students. We conducted three focus groups with students of the University of Puerto Rico. Sessions were transcribed and content analyzed. Participants believed that gender roles are prescribed mainly through mass media and family. The mass media stresses men’s capacity to have frequent sexual relations with multiple partners and take many sexual risks. Men are also socialized to control their emotions and to be dominant.Sexuality is still taboo in the family and church. Safer sex messages are not encouraged and some conceptions of gender roles and sexuality contradict prevention messages. The relevance of these notions for sexuality and men’s health is discussed.
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