Consent vs Coercion: Where Do the Lines Get Blurry?
Consent is a cornerstone of healthy sexual relationships, defined by mutual agreement, free will, and clear communication between all parties involved. Yet, the distinction between genuine consent and coercion can often become blurred, especially in complex scenarios influenced by power dynamics, cultural expectations, or emotional manipulation. Coercion involves using pressure, threats, guilt, or manipulation to obtain consent, making it neither free nor enthusiastic.
Many individuals, particularly young people, may not fully recognize when consent transitions into coercion. This is often due to a lack of education about consent, societal norms that trivialize manipulation, or personal experiences where coercion is normalized. For example, subtle tactics like guilt-tripping a partner into saying "yes" or using authority to influence decisions can undermine autonomy, even if explicit verbal consent is given.
Understanding these nuances is critical to fostering healthy, respectful relationships and ensuring that all parties feel empowered and respected in their choices. In this episode of the Curious Minds podcast, we unpack these complexities, providing listeners with the tools to identify coercive behaviour, set boundaries, and advocate for enthusiastic, mutual consent in all aspects of sexual and reproductive health.
Host: Mavis Aryee
Panellists: Edmund, Margaret, Jemima, Hannatu, Ralph, Ransford, Kenneth, Prince, Enoch, and Jemaimah.
Producer: Michael Tetteh Doku
Music
Intro - The Curious Ring
Interlude Music - Killi Ni by Cina Soul
Closing Music - Excellent by KOJO BLAK & Kelvyn Boy
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