Sweden's experiment in human sexuality and sex education.

Abstract

Swedish views about human sexuality and sex education are indicative of the Swede's way of life, and although much progress has been made, mu ch remains to be done. The following basic principles have emerged from historical development and serve as guidelines in teaching of sex educat ion: 1) the right of every person to self-fulfillment, 2) an ecologic model of human sexuality, 3) bisexual equality, 4) pluralistic sexual morality, 5) sexual permissiveness, and 6) compulsory sex education. Se x education became compulsory in 1956, and the official Handbook on Sex Instruction in Swedish Schools, in 1957 contains guiding principles, pol icies, and procedures for teaching sex education. Some of the teachers are interested and well-prepared, and others are poor to mediocre. Efforts are being made to improve the teacher preparation through workshops, conferences, extension courses, and university seminars. The Swedish experiment provides a testing ground for theory and practice, an d we can learn from their efforts.