Iniciación sexual y unión conyugal entre jóvenes de tres municipios de la región fronteriza de Chiapas

current demographic research in mexico evidences the gradual delay of the first union and the younger age at which people have their first sexual relationship: we observe that sexual initiation is becoming less linked to marital union than before. however, unlike what is happening at the national level, among young women and men in the state of chiapas we have observed that sexuality is still closely linked predominantly with marital union. in this context, using the services of prostitutes seems to be the only option for young men to have sexual relations before and outside marriage. our qualitative research with young women and men between 15 and 19 years old in three municipalities of the southern border region of mexico analyzes the conditions which allow the lack of a pattern that establishes a clear distinction between sexual initiation and married life, as has been documented nationally.