A compilation of nine studies from the Reproductive Health Study Group at the University of Dar es Salaam. They highlight the erosion of customary institutions that regulate procreation and express the meaning of gender and marriage. They show the failure of modern education to prepare the young for gendered adulthood. A central tenet of the work is that without an understanding of the dynamics of local customs and attitudes as well as their significance to the people who hold them, change initiated from without becomes ineffective and unsustainable.
Contents: 1. Cultural conflicts and ambiguities / Rita Liljeström, Patrick Masanja, Magdalena K. Rwebangira and Ernest J.N. Urassa -- 2. Nyakusa teenage sexuality - past and present / Rosalia S. Katapa -- 3. The erosion of the matrilineal order if the Wamwera / Mary Shuma and Rita Liljeström -- 4. Training by symbolism and imagery - the case of Wagogo and Wayao / Zubeida Tumbo-Masabo -- 5. Teenage mothers in their second pregnancies / Rosalia Katapa -- 6. Boys views on sexuality, girls and pregnancies / Juliana C. Mziray -- 7. Maintenance and care in law and practice / Magdalena K. Rwebangira -- 8. Stome-breakers and brick-lifters aspiring for earnings and families / Mary Ntukula -- 9. Relationships for survival - Young mothers and street youths -- 10. Pregnancy is not the end of education / Alice K. Rugumyamheto -- 11. Reflections / Magdalena K. Rwebangira