‘I felt confused; I felt uncomfortable … my hair stood on ends’: Understanding how teachers negotiate comfort zones, learning edges and triggers in the teaching of sexuality education in South Africa

Francis, D. (2016) ‘I felt confused; I felt uncomfortable … my hair stood on ends’: Understanding how teachers negotiate comfort zones, learning edges and triggers in the teaching of sexuality education in South Africa. In: Sundaram, V. and Sauntson, H. (eds.) Global Perspectives and Key Debates in Sex and Relationships Education: Addressing Issues of Gender, Sexuality, Plurality and Power. Palgrave Pivot: London, pp. 130-145. ISBN 9781137500229 (doi: 10.1057/9781137500229_9)

Abstract

The quotation above is from a South African teacher who describes a triggering experience after a class discussion on sexuality education. She has redefined her position to provide the learners with information about sex and sexuality and nothing more. She intends that her classroom is not a place for therapy or drama where the learners’ (and her own) emotions and questions about sexuality are expressed and contested. Giving the learners ‘just’ information works with her level of comfort. Opening up any meaningful discussion about sexuality is not safe for her as it comes with its own ‘difficult dramas’ and ‘discomfort for everyone’. Her anxiety is real and characteristic of the vast challenges sexuality educators face (Helleve, Flisher, Onya, Mukoma, and Klepp, 2009; Francis, 2011; Helleve, Flisher, Onya, Mukoma, and Klepp, 2011) and is indicative of teacher reluctance to address the teaching of sexuality and HIV/AIDS education in South African schools (Mbanaga, 2004; Francis, 2011, 2013). Sexuality education in South Africa has become synonymous with HIV prevention and is the cornerstone on which most HIV and AIDS prevention programmes rest. With the high HIV and AIDS prevalence rates amongst 14–24-year olds, there is an urgency to provide accurate information about the disease (Pettifor et al., 2004).

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Additional Information: Print ISBN: 9781349698783.
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Francis, Professor Dennis
• Authors: Francis, D.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Publisher: Palgrave Pivot
• ISBN: 9781137500229

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