ABSTRACT
Several factors account for the pattern of high rates and balanced sex distribution. Poor nutrition and many infectious diseases compromise immune systems and possibly make people susceptible to HIV. The central idea in the cross-cultural perspective is that behavior patterns that exist in one society but not in others or in varying degrees in different societies are the result of differences in the way societies structure and give meaning to behavior. Traditionally, in most African societies polygamy has been the preferred form of marriage. Polygyny is still widespread, though polyandry is rare. Typically, after marriage the couple lives embedded in a compound or adjacent huts usually belonging to the husband's extended family, subclan, or clan. Sexual culture refers to the cultural beliefs, attitudes, and norms regarding sex. Marriage is primarily an arrangement between kinship groups rather than individuals. That the traditional African marriage is an economic arrangement between families limits the choices individuals have in mate selection.
