Transactional sex – the exchange of consensual sex for material support like gifts, money or food – occurs on university campuses in many parts of the world.
South Africa is no exception. Some scholars have highlighted the importance of understanding transactional sexual relationships beyond seeing it only (or mostly) as a way for young women to mitigate poverty, or because they want to enjoy the advantages of what is perceived as an elite and glamorous lifestyle. It’s more complicated than that.
