In the book Sex Education (first published in 1989), Philip Meredith focuses upon the British situation to investigate the political management of school sex education. The author presents new insights into the problems of state provision of an aspect of education which many feel should be the exclusive domain of parents. He explores the hidden political dynamics which dictate and influence the moral debate over the theory and practice of sex education and argues for a more rational involvement of government in resolving the problems of practice.
The book includes comparative details of political management and curriculum design, drawn mainly from Sweden, Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, Poland, and Belgium, which clarifies or provides alternatives to the British handling of the subject. Basing his recommendations on these examples of more constructive management of sex education, Philip Meredith challenges the government to take a more positive role by delegating policy decision-making in this area to a nationally representative, independent, and authoritative body of experts, whose deliberations the government would defend against minority moral interests who wield a disproportionate power.
Part 1: School Sex Education in Britain 1. The Sexual Politics of the Classroom 2. The Perception of School Sex Education in Parliament 3. Fact and Value in The Knowledge Base of Sex Education 4. Psychological Roots of Traditionalism and Progressivism 5. The Political Management of School Sex Education in England Part 2: The Political Management of School Sex Education in Europe 6. Sweden, Denmark, Federal Republic of Germany, Poland, Belgium 7. Prerequisites For School Sex Education in a National Curriculum Appendix: The Origin and Methodology of the Study
Biography
Philip Meredith, at the time of the first publication, was Assistant Director of Programme Development at the International Planned Parenthood Federation.
Review of the first publication:
‘Dr Meredith's argument is well developed throughout the book.’
— Judith Quick, Pastoral Care in Education
