Multicultural Perspectives on Sex Education

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Abstract
This paper reviews some models of multicultural education highlighting the insensitivity of assimilation, particularly with reference to Muslims, and asks whether therapists and health educators have until recently perpetuated this approach in discussions and treatment of sexuality with students and clients. The paper presents some perspectives of sexuality in Islam, and gives examples of the dissonance experienced by Muslims and others. A suggested approach to sexuality through the study of religious traditions is put forward where the gap between ideal images of sexuality and reality could be assessed in the context of a contemporary plural society, and the Department of Education and Science guidelines on Sex Education, 1986(2). These require an understanding of religious and cultural factors as well as a consideration of the broader emotional issues. It is hypothesised that the goals of religion an psychology to promote meaning, growth and wholeness are similar. Therapists could draw on the more positive aspects of religious ideals while educators could make reference to psychological theories which provide key directions for a more complete understanding of human sexuality

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