International Journal of Art and Art History

Their story: Carnival, Women, Sexuality and Sex in the Caribbean
Shivaughn Hem-Lee-Forsyth, Cynthia Hunter PhD, Justin McNab PhD

Abstract
HIV and AIDS is a worldwide public health issue and the Caribbean region is included in this problem, especially during the festive Carnival period. It is the leading cause of death among males and females between the ages of 20-59 (World Health Organisation, 2014a). Women are currently contracting HIV at a disproportionate rate to men (UN Women, 2015). These trends have led Caribbean regional and local health agencies and gender associations to unite in support of reversing the HIV epidemic. The incidence of sexually transmitted diseases increases right after Carnival; and birth rates are highest nine months post Carnival on an annual basis. The paper addressed the following issues: the percept options of Carnival culture on the human psyche; the value of Carnival celebrations and its impact on the lives of professional women; whether the Carnival dress an the use of alcochol were considered conducive to increased sexual activity; whether the provactive dance movements and musical lyrics influenced sexual practices and behaviour; and lastely, whether or not professional women are considered to be at risk of STIs because of sexual practices at Carnival time.

Full Text: PDF       DOI: 10.15640/ijaah.v7n1a5