In Black population centres in the USA, adult sex ratios (ASRs) are strongly female-biased primarily due to high male incarceration and early mortality rates. I explore the system of social determinants that shape these ASRs, and describe their apparent consequences. Evidence suggests that female-biased ASRs play a role, along with racial residential segregation, to increase mixing between core and peripheral members of sexual networks, facilitating transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections. Unique historical factors underlie Black male incarceration and mortality rates in the USA, making comparisons with other groups or other countries challenging.This article is part of the themed issue 'Adult sex ratios and reproductive decisions: a critical re-examination of sex differences in human and animal societies'.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS; incarceration; sex ratios; sexually transmitted infections; social determinants of health.
© 2017 The Author(s).