An Examination of Men’s Wealth and Age Disparate Partnerships in South Africa: A Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Survey

Evidence indicates that age-disparate sexual partnerships increase a young woman’s risk of HIV acquisition. Studies suggest that age-disparate relationships are fuelled by socio-economic disparities, with economically disadvantaged young women in sexual relationships with comparatively wealthier older men. Limited data exists on the socio-economic status of men in age-disparate relationships relative to men in age-similar relationships. This study explores whether men in age-disparate and similar-aged partnerships differ on socio-economic indicators. A 2012 nationally representative cross-sectional survey of 10,034 men was analysed. The sample was restricted to sexually active men older than 24 years old (N = 1330). The survey included information on the men’s three most recent sexual partners and three measures of socio-economic status. Multiple regression models were used to compare the socio-economic status of men in age-similar partnerships to men in age-disparate partnerships. Just less than half (44.6%) of the men were involved in only age-similar partnerships. The multiple regression results indicate that household wealth, access to essential services and employment status were not significantly associated with an increased likelihood of men engaging in age-disparate partnerships. Additionally, the relationship between men’s wealth and age disparate partnering did not vary according to geographical context. Men engaging in age-disparate partnerships do not differ with regards to their socio-economic status from men in partnerships with women of a similar age. Whilst economic disparity may prevail between males and females within age-disparate relationships, this study reveals that the men in these relationships are not economically advantaged over men in age-similar relationships.