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The Swedish Sin - A Threat Against Zambian Sexual Ethics? A rights-based approach to Sweden's promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights in Zambia

Andersson, Linnea LU (2011) MRSK30 20102
Human Rights Studies
Abstract
Whereas sexuality seldom figures in development language and sexual rights remain undefined in international agreements, Sweden has committed itself to taking a leading role internationally in the area of sexuality. By some considered the most progressive of any government in some areas, Sweden’s policy for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) recognizes the centrality of SRHR to the attainment of international development goals. In Zambia, where sexuality in relation to human rights is very controversial, the policy is seen as a threat against the traditional values that define Zambia.
This paper investigates to what extent Sweden’s choice of guiding perspectives has an impact on the promotion of SRHR in Zambia. Exploring... (More)
Whereas sexuality seldom figures in development language and sexual rights remain undefined in international agreements, Sweden has committed itself to taking a leading role internationally in the area of sexuality. By some considered the most progressive of any government in some areas, Sweden’s policy for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) recognizes the centrality of SRHR to the attainment of international development goals. In Zambia, where sexuality in relation to human rights is very controversial, the policy is seen as a threat against the traditional values that define Zambia.
This paper investigates to what extent Sweden’s choice of guiding perspectives has an impact on the promotion of SRHR in Zambia. Exploring different cultural constitutions of individuals and their rights illustrates that the choice of perspectives lays the foundation for how Sweden’s policy for SRHR is received. Applying an African feminist perspective and a cultural relativist perspective demonstrates that “cultural barriers” are generalizations of discrepancies that foster disconnections and recycle cultural prejudice. Recognizing the interrelatedness of rights, culture and development, I argue that culture should be seen as a context in which rights are pursued rather than a context in which rights are violated. (Less)
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author
Andersson, Linnea LU
supervisor
organization
course
MRSK30 20102
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
reproductive health, Zambian culture, Swedish development policy, sexual rights
language
English
id
1759546
date added to LUP
2011-02-07 20:09:24
date last changed
2014-09-04 08:27:55
@misc{1759546,
  abstract     = {{Whereas sexuality seldom figures in development language and sexual rights remain undefined in international agreements, Sweden has committed itself to taking a leading role internationally in the area of sexuality. By some considered the most progressive of any government in some areas, Sweden’s policy for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) recognizes the centrality of SRHR to the attainment of international development goals. In Zambia, where sexuality in relation to human rights is very controversial, the policy is seen as a threat against the traditional values that define Zambia.
This paper investigates to what extent Sweden’s choice of guiding perspectives has an impact on the promotion of SRHR in Zambia. Exploring different cultural constitutions of individuals and their rights illustrates that the choice of perspectives lays the foundation for how Sweden’s policy for SRHR is received. Applying an African feminist perspective and a cultural relativist perspective demonstrates that “cultural barriers” are generalizations of discrepancies that foster disconnections and recycle cultural prejudice. Recognizing the interrelatedness of rights, culture and development, I argue that culture should be seen as a context in which rights are pursued rather than a context in which rights are violated.}},
  author       = {{Andersson, Linnea}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{The Swedish Sin - A Threat Against Zambian Sexual Ethics? A rights-based approach to Sweden's promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights in Zambia}},
  year         = {{2011}},
}