Abstract
ABSTRACT Lack of sexual health knowledge among Saudi Arabian adolescents suggests the need for investigation into the sexual health education curriculum provided in schools. This study explored the dominant ideologies that shape sexual health education discourse in Saudi Arabia. To date, there have been few analyses of the ideologies underpinning Saudi Arabia’s school curriculum and the approach that is taken to teaching about sexual health. Examining the ideologies informing sexual health education in Saudi schools can assist in a shift towards more comprehensive approaches. In this study, critical discourse analysis was used to identify the underlying ideologies present within Saudi school curricula as they relate to sexual health education. Our findings suggest that conservative ideology dominates sexual health education discourse. Significantly, it is more strongly present in the curricula available to girls and young women. Sexual health education’s discourse currently reflects social/cultural perspectives and avoids the inclusion of more comprehensive health-related information that would better enable young people to protect their health.
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