Bhai-behen, true love, time pass:: friendships and sexual partnerships among youth in an Indian metropolis

This paper discusses the heterosexual peer networks and partnerships among low-income, unmarried, college-going youth in an Indian metropolitan city. Findings derive from a study conducted in Mumbai using focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and a survey. Typologies of heterosexual peer networks identified include platonic 'bhai-behen' ('brother-sister like'), romantic 'true love', and transitory and sexual 'time pass' relationships. The three typologies each reinforce dominant cultural norms of heterosexuality and, importantly, define the boundaries of sexual behaviour for unmarried youth. The category bhai-behen is important as a boundary marker distinguishing it from the tabooed true love and time pass friendships. The boundaries of these friendships are fluid and boys use this fluidity to their advantage as they engage in multiple relationships, while girls mainly engage in single, true love relationships. Findings contribute to an understanding of sexual culture among college youth in metropolitan India.