Demythologizing sex education in Oklahoma: an attitudinal study
The Journal of School Health
|August 1, 1983
Summary
Most Oklahomans favor public school sex education. Key factors influencing attitudes include age, religious affiliation, and female employment, suggesting pathways for community support.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Education Policy
Background:
- Sex education in public schools is a topic of ongoing public discourse.
- Understanding public attitudes is crucial for effective policy implementation and community engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the distribution of attitudes toward sex education among voting-age Oklahomans.
- To identify demographic, sociocultural, and attitudinal factors associated with these attitudes.
Main Methods:
- A randomized study was conducted in Oklahoma, stratifying the state into six regions.
- A representative sample was achieved using random digit dialing and random household selection.
- Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical methods.
Main Results:
- Eighty percent of the sample expressed favorable attitudes toward sex education in public schools.
- A majority across all religious groups, including fundamentalists, were favorable.
- Multivariate analysis identified age, Protestant denominational type, and female employment as significant predictors of attitude.
Conclusions:
- Widespread support exists for sex education in Oklahoma public schools.
- Specific demographic and sociocultural factors significantly influence public opinion on this issue.
- Findings offer insights for developing strategies to build community support for sex education programs.
Keywords:
AmericasAttitudeBehaviorDeveloped CountriesEducationNorth AmericaNorthern AmericaOklahomaPopulation CharacteristicsPsychological FactorsReligionRural PopulationSex EducationUnited StatesUrban PopulationMore Related Videos
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