Sexuality as a cultural construction: reflexions on inherent prejudice and myths on a group of women in rural areas

Abstract

The present work focuses on sexuality as a cultural construct. To support this idea, a study was carried out with a group of eleven women from a rural community, in the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and the narratives were analyzed qualitatively, seeking to extract meaning from the inquiries by viewing them through a cultural lens. Sexuality is viewed as a personal experience, composed of values, beliefs, myths and prejudice assimilated during the socialization of each respondent. Reflections highlighting the importance of cultural interpretation of the events for nurses, especially those referring to sexuality to the nurses, were included.