Rethinking Sexuality Education: Comparative Study of Sexuality Education in Victoria, Australia, and Singapore

• In Event: Awkwardness and Oddities: Affect, Feeling, and the Body

Abstract

This paper provides a comparative study of sexuality education in two societies in the Asia-Pacific – Victoria, Australia and Singapore. Through a qualitative analysis of the sexuality education of the two countries, the similarities and differences of approaches, content, embedded ideological beliefs and theoretical frameworks are examined. Sexuality education is situated in the interplay of competing cultural, historical and political contexts. Thus, an analysis of key socio-political events, political climate and history is conducted to situate sexuality curriculum in different contexts. This paper argues that differences in political, historical and cultural values among these countries sets the foundation of ideological beliefs and frameworks in sexuality education. This paper offers a comprehensive understanding of sexuality education through comparison of the two countries.

Authors

• Zhi Shien Tan, Nanyang Technological University

• Suzanne S. Choo, Nanyang Technological University - National Institute of Education