Culture-embedded drivers and barriers to (non) condom use among Filipino MSM: a critical realist inquiry.

This qualitative study examines the drivers and barriers of condom use among Filipino men who have sex with men (MSM) using a critical realist inquiry (i.e., shared meanings, norms, and practices related to condom use). Thematic analysis was used to analyze interviews of 105 MSM participants across 21 cities in the Philippines. Key findings showed three social structures that shape how participants view sexual partners as safe (linked to non-condom use) or unsafe (linked to condom use). First, classism is linked to relative economic social position of sexual partner (lower socio-economic class as unsafe; higher socio-economic class as safe). Second, heteronormativity is linked to relationship arrangements (multiple partner as unsafe; exclusive partner as safe) and identity categories (bisexuals as unsafe; straight men are safe). Third, body-ism is linked with notions of health (looks sick as unsafe; looks healthy as safe) and appearance (not good looking as unsafe). Sexual partners perceived as good looking can be construed as either safe or unsafe. Discussion points highlight importance of understanding the cultural and material contexts of looking and sounding educated, looking healthy, looking physically attractive vis-à-vis promoting condom use.

Towards a model of resilience for transnational families of Filipina domestic workers.

Many Filipinos experience poverty and poor employment opportunities. In order to alleviate poverty and provide sufficient resources for their families, numerous mothers leave the Philippines to become domestic workers. The present study aimed to build a model of family resilience for transnational families. A total of 33 participants consisting of Filipino transnational families, domestic workers, and key informants participated in a series of focus group discussions and interviews. A new model of resilience among transnational families of Filipina domestic helpers was created using a constructivist grounded theory approach. The model highlighted how temporal and spatial elements are embedded in collective migration experiences. Family narratives begin with the sacrifice of separation, where mothers leave their families for a chance to solve economic problems. To successfully adapt to their separation, the families undergo five relational processes. First, families communicate across space using technology to bridge relational distance. Second, families restructure across space through role sharing and the validation of each other's efforts in their family roles. Third, families rebuild ties through temporary family reunification that bridge physical and relational distance. Fourth, families have the collective goal of permanent family reunification by ending migration to become complete again. Fifth, they strive to commit to their families by prioritizing them instead of succumbing to difficulties. Family resilience for transnational migrants is a collectivistic process, negotiated by each family member.

Struggling to care: A discursive-material analysis of negotiating agency among HIV-positive MSM.

A discursive-materialist framework of agency asserts the mutual constitution of agency within cultural discursive, economic, and embodied material structures. Understanding how HIV-positive men who have sex with men in the Philippines negotiate agency vis-a-vis wider social structures, we utilized Foucault's care of the self to locate agency in relationships with the self, others, and the broader world. Using data from narratives of 20 Filipino HIV-positive men who have sex with men, we analyzed the negotiation of agency as HIV-positive as embedded in the unique discursive terrain of Roman Catholicism and the economic materiality of a developing country. Three main processes of negotiating agency are elaborated: (1) questioning the spiritual self and the sexual body in the relationship with the self, (2) navigating interpersonal limits to care giving in the relationship with others, and (3) reclaiming human dignity in health care in the relationship with the broader world. Theoretical insights on the discursive and material constitution of healing in light of discursive and material challenges are discussed.