Psychology Faculty Publications
A History of Sex Education in the United States Since 1900
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Winter 2014
Journal Title
International Journal of Education Reform
Volume
23
Issue
1
First Page
25
Last Page
51
Abstract
We provide a historical perspective toward the current public school practices of American sex education. The primary time frame includes the progressive era (1880-1920), intermediate era (1920-1960), the sexual revolution era (1960s and 1970s), and the modern sex education era (1980s to present). In each period, we highlight key developments that affect educators' current decision making as public sex education continues to develop and morph in the context of contemporary society. We show that an apt understanding of sex education's past is critical for making prudent decisions about its future.
Keywords
Sex education, history
Recommended Citation
Huber, V., & Firmin, M. (2014). A history of sex education in the United States since 1900. International Journal of Education Reform, 23, 25-51.