The history of sex education in the 20th century serves as a perfect reflection of the profound social upheavals that have shaped our world – whether social, political, economic, or technological. It mirrors our evolving attitudes toward relationships, sexuality, and the forces that define our lives.
This series is, at its core, the story of 100 years of social transformation, viewed through the unique lens of sex education.
Since the dawn of Western civilization, the primary aim of sex education has often been to uphold existing power structures. It has been wielded by institutions such as the church and the state to exert control over individuals and their private lives, perpetuate patriarchal norms, and even sustain capitalist systems. For centuries, sex education has been a tool to suppress aspirations, shame women’s bodies, and protect the heteronormative status quo.
Today, these conservative power structures are being challenged by pioneers of progressive thought. Their tools: uncensored access to information, breakthroughs in science and technology, political revolutions, and the emergence of alternative lifestyles that defy the norms of the past.
The story of sex education is, ultimately, the timeless struggle between conservative forces and the human yearning for awareness, autonomy, and happiness. Each decade, this conflict plays out anew against the ever-changing backdrop of societal evolution.
In our two-part series, we delve into these topics with curiosity and a touch of humor, exploring the education of young people on sex and sexuality and its broader implications for society.
