Teaching about sex and sexuality in social work: an international critical perspective

ABSTRACT

Based on the recent call to expand the discussion about sex and sexuality in social work, and coming from an international perspective, this paper offers a theoretical and practical strategy for teaching sex and sexuality in social work. The pedagogical strategy aims at creating a critical thinking classroom. Specifically, the paper presents six key topics for teaching sex and sexuality critically in social work: 1. Sexuality in social work fields; 2. Sexuality as a social constructed phenomenon; 3. Categorizations and sexual identities; 4. Structural-based privileges and disadvantages; 5. Reproduction of power asymmetries through microaggressions; 6. Expanding the conception of sexuality in social work. Each topic is presented with suggestions for literature and critical questions for classroom.

KEYWORDS:

• Sex
• sexuality
• social work
• critical perspective
• critical thinking
• teaching
• pedagogy
• education

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Complete references to the literature recommendations in the article are in the reference list.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Merethe Giertsen

Merethe Giertsen is a Professor at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Child Welfare and Social Work.

Maya Lavie-Ajayi

Maya Lavie-Ajayi is a Professor at Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Gender Studies program.

Kimberly McKay

Dr. Kimberly McKay has vast teaching experience in social work education through Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, and Widener University (Philadelphia & Chester, PA, USA).