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ERIC Number: ED451308
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1998
Pages: 38
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Learning To Speak Out in an Abstinence Based Sex Education Group: Gender and Race Work in an Urban Magnet School.
Weis, Lois
This paper describes an abstinence-based sex education group for diverse girls in grades 7-12 in an urban magnet school. Data were gathered from a within-school program, My Bottom Line, which was designed to prevent or delay the onset of sexual activity, build self-esteem, and increase young women's self-sufficiency through an abstinence based, gender specific prevention program that students attend voluntarily. The program runs for 15 weeks and promotes abstinence in relationships, even after girls have had sexual relationships. It teaches that girls have control of their bodies and should not accept male control or abuse. A cornerstone of the sex education group is confidentiality, which allows girls to bare secrets without fear of recrimination or gossip. The girls weave a form of collective strength that goes beyond individual abstinence. This group offers a place where trite social stereotypes are contested. Girls learn that women ought not be victims. Working through sensitive cross-race issues also encourages more open attitudes toward racial issues in general. (Contains 27 references.) (SM)
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A