Towards a sex education that is still possible

Abstract

In this article we discuss the main obstacles to sex education, still present at the beginning of the 21st century both in Spain and abroad. We briefly describe the current model of sex education, a combination of the moral/conservative and the risk/preventionist models. Then we present some suggestions for the direction sex education programmes should take in the future. The main challenges involve: encouraging an attitude of growth, approaching sexuality from a social perspective, and fostering a shift in the current power structure which exists between men and women. We propose that a holistic sex education programme be designed and implemented, one which is more democratic, tolerant, and open-minded than most existing programmes. In this way, we may overcome the  urgency of prevention-based models, and rather begin by accepting and valuing the different life stories lived by women and men. This will enrich human sexuality, favour sexual satisfaction, and improve quality of life for those people receiving such an education.