The Failure of Sexuality Education

Summary

Even “comprehensive” sexuality education has failed to reach its potential in that it cannot convincingly demonstrate its effectiveness in facilitating behavioral change. Commitment to a comprehensive, sex-positive perspective is proposed as one important component in creating behavioral outcomes that balance the reduction of hurt with the enhancement of pleasure. Until sexuality educators become comfortable and committed to emphasizing the pleasure dimension of sexual experience” the legitimate impact of sexuality education may be compromised in the eyes of students.