Doan and Williams examine abstinence only sex education in American public schools and how it contributes to the social constrains of women. This novel evaluates what the effects of abstinence only sex education, showing that this from of education doesn’t effectively prevent adolescence from having sex and can increase the risk of unwanted pregnancy. Doan is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas and the chair of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. She has also the author of Opposition and Intimidation: The Abortion Wars and Strategies of Political Harassment. Williams is an Associate Professor of Political Science at California Polytechnic State University and has written a novel and many articles on homelessness. Primary sources are analyzed to show the results of abstinence only education compared to comprehensive sex education. This novel contains a lot of information about sex education in USA that is not entirely relevant to the topic of the social construct of virginity and how it affects women in Canada and USA from 2000- 2015; however, the information about gender politics ties in with the construct of virginity and how it generates the use of abstinence only education which can perpetuate sexual disempowerment, distorted power dynamics in relationships, and increased vulnerability to sexual assault is useful information.…
Kohler, P. K., & Lafferty, W. E., & Manhart, L.E. (2008). Abstinence-Only and Comprehensive Sex Education and the Initiation of Sexual Activity and Teen Pregnancy. Journal of Adolescent Health, 42(4), 344-351. Retrieved from http://www.columbia.edu/cu/psychology/courses/3615/Readings/Kohler_2008.pdf…
If children and adolescents are educated about sex practices at too young of an age it can encourage them to partake in sexual activities prematurely. This can result in teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and negative mental health or low self-esteem. If students are educated about sex with abstinence based program it can reduce the amount of teen pregnancies that occur. For example, Project IMPPACT in New York City “focuses on the importance of abstaining from sexual intercourse” (Lieberman, Gray, Wier, Fiorention, & Maloney, 2000). This program discovered that “Lower rates of adolescent sexual activity are associated with having parents who demonstrate a combination of traditional attitudes toward sexual behavior and effective communication practices” (Lieberman et al, 2000).…
“Drug policy regarding the control of the traditional illicit substances (opiates, cocaine, cannabis) is currently moving through upbeat times in almost all Western countries. Prohibition on the basis of repressive law enforcement not only seems to fail on a large scale, but also to create vast additional costs, problems, and harm for drug consumers, who often find themselves in extreme social, economic, and health conditions” (Fischer 1995: 389).…
Some simply see sex as a thing to do, for me it is much more than that. I was brought up to believe that sex is supposed to be something special that you do with the one you love. Today this “special” act is viewed as just the opposite. Kids and young adults do not care because they feel “it’s just sex”. It is sad to think that most take this topic so lightly. That is why I have chosen to be abstinent and wait to engage in sexual activity until marriage. This is a personal choice of mine, and I know some may agree or disagree.…
Abstinence is an equal opportunity behavior. Anyone, at anytime, can make a Smart choice to not have sex. It is a thoughtful choice and a difficult decision is made with a lucid, drug free mind. Abstinence is an expression of personal power and self- consciousness.…
In recent years, the question of whether schools should teach abstinence only programs or comprehensive sex education has been debated rigorously. Through his 2013 published piece, “Educating for Character in the Sexual Domain”, author Thomas Lickona focuses on the benefits of abstinence only programs. He uses the argument that abstinence creates character in today’s youth and cites multiple sources that support his viewpoint. On the other side of the discussion, authors of the article “Abstinence-Only Education and Teen Pregnancy Rates: Why We Need Comprehensive Sex Education in the U.S.”, David Hall and Kathrin Stanger-Hall address the lack of efficiency abstinence only programs provide. Published in 2011, their article relies heavily on…
Abstinence only goal is to prevent teens from sexual intercourse. They used tactics like religion and traditional beliefs to send the message that expressing sexual behavior brings shame to everyone around them (Krueger). Those programs do not teach teens about protection nor ways for them to be in control of their health. Out of the 13 programs funded by the government, only 2 have correct information about protection and prevention (Krueger). Also, only abstinence program’s states have a higher teen pregnancy than states whom teach a variety of sexual education programs. In southern states, where abstinence is only focused on, there are ~20% more births in southern states compared to northern states (Krueger) . Also, abstinence taught teens were more likely to not wear protection and higher chances to contract STDs (Krueger). There needs to be updated sex education programs in high schools in the united…
Chammas, Danielle. (2004, April 29). Abstinence-only programs: Has sexual education failed our nations young women? The Stanford Daily, Retrieved May 2, 2004, http://daily.stanford.edu/daily/servlet/tempo?page=content&id=13982&repository=0001_article…
Teen pregnancy rates throughout the nation are very high, and many people are trying to figure out how to cut theses rates down. Teaching abstinence or sex education in school has been a major issue throughout the United States for years. Many high schools teach abstinence- only in an attempt to lower the teenage pregnancy rates throughout the country. Many people believe sex education is what needs to be taught in high schools so teenagers are not going in blind and wind up pregnant. “Studies show that sex education reduces the likeliness for teen pregnancy by 50 percent.” Are either of these programs the most effective ways to prevent teenage pregnancy and unsafe sex? The government is funding both types of educations…
How would it feel to be pregnant? I will never have the chance to find out, thank God, but apparently about 13% of the female students at Timken High School in Canton, Ohio know how carrying a baby feels. The spread of this epidemic must be halted now before many other aspiring students have their dreams dashed by the responsibility of parenthood. Through stronger parental guidance and support, better abstinence programs, and more government action, this urgent problem must be quelled and brought under control by any means necessary.…
After looking over the community’s characteristics and functions, there are challenges pregnant teens attending Catholic schools face. However, one that sticks out is only being taught from a program that believes abstaining from sex until marriage is the only way to live your life. Many Catholic schools only focus on promoting abstinence in their curriculum. Looking at these programs from a functionalist perspective, the function is to teach students that they should not participate in any time of sexual intercourse until marriage. Students are not learning about safe sex and ways to protect themselves. Instead, they are being taught to wait until you are married to participate in any sexual activities. Even though studies have shown that…
The school sends off a permission slip to the parents and requires a signature to allow the student to get educated. Schools are allowed to show parents the material they will be teaching the class if parent ask. But this is another issue the policy had, a lot of this material goes against faith and religion believes. Many parents would not allow this for their children so many schools became more “abstinence only.” In 1981, the adolescent family life act (AFLA) was formed to promote abstinence and determination in teens. This organization was promoting their ideas to get funds from charity groups, churches, and pro-family groups. Putting their “only abstinence” message out there expanded their organization and many people were supporting them.…
and health gains to be realized by abstaining from sexual activity. Students must be taught that…
Abstinence means not having sex. A person who decides to practice abstinence has decided not to have sex. If two people are not up close and personal, then sperm can’t fertilize an egg and there’s no possibility of being pregnant. You don’t have to be a virgin to practice abstinence. Sometimes people who been having sexual intercourse decide not to continue having it. So if you choose to be abstinence you can prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Abstinence is 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. Although many birth control methods can have high rates of success if used properly, they also can fail occasionally. Practicing abstinence ensures that a girl won’t become pregnant because there is no opportunity to do so. Abstinence is most successful when you are diligent and use planning within your relationships. Relationships that involve sexual intercourse are filled with physical and emotional risks. Sexual intercourse is not the only way two people can get to know each other. Often, people open this door for drawing closer to one another only to regret the decision later because they did not really know each other at all. Intimacy and affection can be expressed in a number of ways other than sexual intercourse. Kissing, hugging, massaging, and holding hands are some of the ways people who are to together express their affection in a physical manner. Some people are abstinent on a temporary basis, for example, like until he or she gets married or find the right partner. Others are abstinent from intercourse and other forms of sexual contact as a safeguard against contracting or transmitting sexually transmitted diseases. Though it may…