The Changing Ties That Bind

Abstract

This article examines the changing nature of family values and expectations in relation to sexuality, gender roles, and health among Greek parents and their young adult sons and daughters living in Melbourne, Australia. Findings are reported from a qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with 37 young adult Greek Australian men and women and 7 Greek parents as well as four focus group discussions with 25 parents. Key themes are compared in relation to the tensions relating to changing gender roles and expectations within the family and Greek community. Although these tensions can act as barriers to effective prevention strategies for young second-generation Greek adults, parents acknowledge the need for change to protect their children from HIV/AIDS and STDs. The results support the need for prevention strategies for STDs and HIV/AIDS that build on the importance of close family connections and deal with the tensions surrounding the changing ties that bind.