Sex, Marriage, and Children: A Case Study of Two Cohorts in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Andrea B. Simão, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais
Paula Miranda-Ribeiro, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais
Andre J. Caetano, Centro de Desenvolvimento e Planejamento Regional (CEDEPLAR)
Cibele C. Cesar, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais

The objective of this paper is to examine first intercourse, first marriage, and first birth, comparing two cohorts – females 20-29 and 50-59 years old in Belo Horizonte, the state capital of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. Quantitative data come from SRSR – Saúde Reprodutiva, Sexualidade e Raça/Cor (Reproductive Health, Sexuality, and Race/Skin Color), a survey representative at the município (city) level, which interviewed 1,302 females 15-59 years old in 2002. Qualitative data come from 17 focus group meetings, conducted by the first author with females 20-24 and 50-59 years old in 2003 and 2004. Results suggest that the norms and behaviors regarding to sexual and reproductive behavior changed some way along the time in Belo Horizonte and the voices of females reinforce the importance of qualitative studies as a tool for understanding relevant dimensions of women sexual and reproductive lives.