Androni, Christina (2025) Sex education in Greece: a content analysis of selected materials. Master thesis, Educational Sciences.
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Abstract
Introduction: Sex education extends beyond public health, engaging broader societal debates about gender, identity, and morality. In Greece, while institutional efforts to introduce sex education have increased, implementation remains fragmented and contested. Existing research has focused mainly on barriers to implementation, overlooking the content and messages conveyed in educational materials. This thesis aims to examine what messages sex education materials in Greece project about gender, sexuality, and emotions, and what kind of student they seek to shape. Methodology: Using the frameworks of Foucault, Bacchi, Allen, and Hung, this study conducts a qualitative content and discourse analysis of three educational resources: the Institute of Educational Policy's (IEP) official curriculum, the Teaching Therapy blog, and the Lifeskills blog. The analysis considers both the language and tone of the materials, as well as topics that are absent or underrepresented. Analysis: Key themes identified across the materials include a strong emphasis on safety and risk avoidance, minimal discussion of pleasure or desire, reinforcement of traditional gender and family roles, biological essentialism, and the promotion of emotional regulation. Discussion: Sex education materials in Greece often frame sexuality as dangerous or risky, rather than as a natural and meaningful part of life. This approach may limit how young people understand themselves and their relationships. The thesis advocates for a more open, inclusive, and emotionally honest approach to sex education, one that affirms students' identities and better supports their development.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Exalto, J. and Haaften, L.W. van |
| Degree programme: | Educational Sciences |
| Differentiation route: | Onderwijskunde [Master Educational Sciences] |
| Date Deposited: | 26 Jun 2025 07:21 |
| Last Modified: | 26 Jun 2025 07:21 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/5136 |
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