ERIC Number: EJ1452754
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1468-1811
EISSN: EISSN-1472-0825
School Health Teachers' Gender-Sensitive Sexual Health Education Experiences in South Korea
Sex Education: Sexuality, Society and Learning, v25 n1 p81-94 2025
Sexual health education is mandatory in South Korea. However, gender equality, and the rights of sexuality and gender-diverse people are contentious issues in Korean society. This study describes school health teachers' experiences delivering sexual health education especially in relation to gender equality and the rights of sexuality and gender minorities. A descriptive approach based on grounded theory methodology was adopted. The participants included 23 elementary, middle, and high school health teachers certified by the Korean Institute for Gender Equality Promotion and Education. One-to-one interviews were conducted with participants. Education authorities, students, other teachers, and parents create challenges for health teachers because of the tension between gender-sensitive and conservative perspectives on sexual health education. Social factors influencing these challenges include patriarchy, cultural misunderstandings regarding sexuality, conflicts between feminism and anti-feminism, heterosexual familism, and homophobia. Teachers' strategies to overcome these challenges include improving personal understanding, skills and attitudes, and asking other teachers and parents for their support. Addressing gender equality and power is the key to improving students' sexual and reproductive health. Educational authorities and civil society should support school health teachers' efforts to advance gender equality and prevent sexuality and gender identity-based discrimination.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Sex Education, Health Education, Gender Issues, LGBTQ People, Elementary School Teachers, Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers, Sexuality, Controversial Issues (Course Content), Barriers, Cultural Influences, Social Influences, Social Bias, Teaching Methods, Gender Bias, Teaching Experience
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Korea
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A