36th Annual Student Research Conference
Gendered Expectations present in American Sex Education
Amelia F. Pelaez
Dr. Amber Johnson, Faculty Mentor
This research examines biases within sex education systems in the United States. In their developmental years, children are still forming their identities and education is an institution that oversees this. This project notes outdated and potentially harmful concepts that are still being taught to youth, while also providing statistical evidence observing educational sources, birth control, and abstinence across sociological comparison lines such as race, class, and gender. This presentation identifies possible solutions including dismantling the entire sex education system as well as the possibility of remodeling it to challenge existing gender norms and rethinking identity. While a solution won't be easy in the current political climate, our children deserve an education that leads to a more accurate understanding of modern and culturally significant sex and gender structures.
Keywords: Gender, Sex Education, Developmental, Race, Class, Sex, Identity, Educational
Topic(s):Sociology
Women's and Gender Studies
Anthropology
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 303-1
Location: SUB Georgian Room B
Time: 1:15