In the Company of Friends: Peer Influence on Thai Male Extramarital Sex

This report explores some of the social dynamics underlying patterns of male extramarital heterosexual behavior in Thailand by analyzing transcripts of focus group discussions and focused individual interviews conducted during 1993 and 1994 with married men and women living in Bangkok, two provincial urban centers, and two rural areas in central Thailand. The researchers discern four major mechanisms of peer influence on extramarital commercial sex patronage: providing opportunities for commercial sex visitation; expectations of treating and reciprocity; fostering heavy drinking behavior; and pressuring ambivalent group members. Findings are discussed in light of contemporary theories of social influence and sexual behavior.

Dataset used: Transcripts from focus group discussions and indepth interviews conducted by the authors