Sex education: Is it feasible to create an ideal, universal model of sex education ?

Véronique Le Ralle

France

Considering how difficult it is to answer this question, try removing the word „sex” from the sentence.

Obviously, there is no ideal model of education. The model depends on the social, cultural and traditional contexts. Even within the same context, many models arise.

The observations of the very different habits of different cultures show that the idea of an universal, ideal model in sex education is an even greater illusion.

One of the aims of sex education work is to enable the participants to gain a more objective view of their position as regards their social and cultural contexts.

Experience in the field with young people in schools, in family planning centres, or with adults of different cultures bring complementary points of view. Many varied examples and illustrations of practical actions will be reported.

These different actions show that genuine communication can be achieved with all kinds of people. Information on sexual issues can be integrated when the educational approach is based on an attitude of respect, and the ability to create a climate of confidence.Groups are inevitably influenced by the personal ethics of their leader. He or she must be very clear about his or her own positions. The leader must transmit the ideal of respect for others, denounce any kind of domination of one person over another, and work to enhance the participants’ capacity to think for themselves.

We feel that the notion of an ideal, universal model is not a realistic base for study, and that it should be replaced by the development of effective and humanistic practices.”