Ideology, Identity and Sex Education: Investigating the Resistance to Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Abstract

This study explores the personal factors that contribute to a lack of support for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) among adolescents in the United States. Using cross-sectional data collected from a large survey, the influence of conservatism and social dominance orientation was examined as well as the influence of educational level and residential area. Results indicated significant negative relationships between conservatism, social dominance orientation and support for CSE. Furthermore, conservatism mediated the relationship between social dominance orientation and support for CSE. These findings suggest that adolescents with higher social dominance orientation tend to show less support for CSE, mainly because they align with conservative convictions that emphasize traditional values, which conflict with the principles of CSE. Nevertheless, CSE remains a vital tool in promoting youth sexual health, inclusion, and respect. Insights from this study can be used to find a way to convey the value of CSE to conservative adolescents.