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Unequal Sex Education: the Bible Belt Vs. New England

Unequal Sex Education: the Bible Belt Vs. New England

Undergraduate Review

Volume 15 Article 19

2020

Unequal Sex Education: The vs.

Nicole Mazzeo

Follow this and additional works at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/undergrad_rev

Recommended Citation Mazzeo, Nicole (2020). Unequal Sex Education: The Bible Belt vs. New England. Undergraduate Review, 15, 211-224. Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/undergrad_rev/vol15/iss1/19

This item is available as part of Virtual Commons, the open-access institutional repository of Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Copyright © 2020 Nicole Mazzeo Unequal Sex Education: The Bible Belt vs. New England , which deems non-marital sex a sin (though it should be noted that many people living Nicole Mazzeo in the do not share these values). Proponents Abstract of abstinence-only education claim that it will delay The Bible Belt1 in the Southern sexual behavior until later in life and reduce the is known for its conservative values, which are number of partners students have, which will lead largely influenced by the popularity of evangelical to lower rates of unintended pregnancy and sexually in the region. When looking at sex transmitted (STIs) (Bleakley, Hennessy and education, policymakers in the area tend to prefer Fishbein 2006). It is true that successfully refraining abstinence-only-until-marriage (AOUM) education, if from sexual activity is the most certain way to avoid anything, to be implemented in schools (Guttmacher STIs and accidental pregnancy, which is a strong Institute 2019). In this paper, I will use data on the argument in favor of encouraging abstinence among sexual health outcomes in the Bible Belt, as compared youth. However, many people find abstinence hard to to the Northeast, to demonstrate that the lack of implement, and it severely limits options for sexual comprehensive sex education — and the popularity of expression and intimacy. While some see sex education as a matter of abstinence-only education — contributes to inequality personal values, others see it as a human rights issue. in our country. According to the United Nations Population Fund Personal Values or Human Rights Issue? (the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency, Whether comprehensive sex education should also known as UNFPA), “comprehensive sexuality be available in schools is often seen as a matter education empowers young people to know and of personal values and belief systems. Critics demand their rights.” UNFPA argues that access to of comprehensive sex education argue that the information about sexual health can have a “cascading sensitive topic of sexuality should be left to parents effect” on human rights (UNFPA 2016). For instance, and caregivers to address in a way that reflects accidental pregnancy in adolescence can cause girls their family’s values (Jackson 2013). In the Bible to drop out of school, preventing them from accessing Belt, these values often stem from conservative

211 their right to an education. Also, a lack of information spending on teen sexual health education went to about gender equality can perpetuate gender-based abstinence-only programs, totaling around $90 million and abuse. UNFPA suggests that a (Kaiser Family Foundation 2018). lack of access to comprehensive sex education is at According to the U.S. Department of Health odds with the human rights of education and health and Human Services, the main goal of abstinence- as they are stated in various international agreements, only education is to teach students to abstain from including the Convention on the Rights of the Child sexual activity outside of marriage. Abstinence outside and the Programme of Action of the 1994 International of marriage is promoted as a goal in and of itself, as Conference on Population and Development (UNFPA opposed to being solely a means to achieve desired 2016). sexual health and wellness outcomes. The majority of (73%) and health Abstinence-only programs tend to focus on professionals support comprehensive sex education the possible negative consequences of non-marital sex (Santelli et al. 2017). Even in the Bible Belt, public and have faced criticism for their use of scare tactics. support of comprehensive sex education is high. In Examples include showing gory medical photos of , 72% of parents support birth control bad cases of STIs, as well as exaggerating the risk 2, and education in schools. In Carolina, 90% of of pregnancy from protected sexual activity downplaying the effectiveness of contraceptives in residents support comprehensive sex education in preventing pregnancy and STI transmission. public schools (SIECUS, 2018). In , 80% of It is not uncommon for abstinence-only voters support teaching about contraception in public to use shame as a tool for discouraging non- schools (Tortolero et al. 2011). However, policymakers marital sexual activity. One classic example of this do not always in favor of public opinion on the that has been used in abstinence-only classes across issue. the nation is the “chewed gum” metaphor: The Abstinence-Only Education: Goals and Tactics asks two students to come to the front of the class Abstinence-only education is one of the main types and gives one of them gum to chew. The teacher then of sex education currently being implemented in instructs the gum-chewing student to take the gum the United States. In 2017, one third of government out from their mouth and offer it to the other student

212 BRIDGEWATER STATE UNIVERSITY | THE UNDERGRADUATE REVIEW 2020 to chew. Of course, the second student is expected to in sexual activities is highly debated. In the US, refuse the gum, out of disgust. The teacher explains approximately 12% of girls and young women make that this is what having premarital sex is like – a vow to abstain from sex until marriage (Paik et become undesirable like chewed-up gum, and you al. 2016). One study found that young women who have nothing of value to offer to your eventual pledged to remain abstinent until marriage (often on husband (these messages are generally directed at the basis of religious convictions) were two-thirds less girl students, and heterosexuality is assumed) (Oliver likely to become pregnant before age 18 (Rector et 2015). Other popular metaphors used in abstinence- al. 2004). Another study found that young adults who only classrooms include the used piece of Scotch tape made a virginity vow in adolescence were 25% less (gets less sticky), and the old sneakers (smelly), both likely to contract an STI (Rector and Johnson 2005). of which give the same message: girls and women It is possible, though, that young people who are less who have sex with more than one person throughout likely to become sexually active in their teen years are their lives are dirty and undesirable (Oliver 2015). more likely to make the pledge in the first place, which The use of shame tactics in discouraging would mean that the encouragement to take a vow of sexual exploration may have negative effects on abstinence may not have had an impact on their sexual individuals’ abilities to enjoy sexual expression later in health outcomes. life. Sexual shame may also prevent individuals from Research on the effectiveness of abstinence prioritizing their own preferences and desires in sexual vows gives mixed results. A 2016 study found that interactions, which can increase their vulnerability to adolescent girls who took virginity pledges and then sexual coercion and assault (Messman-Moore et al. became sexually active were at an increased risk of 2008). contracting HPV or becoming pregnant, compared to

Abstinence Education and Religion sexually active girls who did not pledge (Paik et al. Religion plays a large role in the promotion of 2016). This may be explained by the finding that those abstinence education and is often used as an argument who make and break a virginity pledge are less likely for discouraging non-marital sex. Whether religiosity to use contraception when they first have intercourse is effective at preventing young people from engaging (Bearman and Brückner 2001). Additionally, a 2017

213 study from The Journal of Sex Research found that Sex Education Policy in the Bible Belt As shown in Table 1 , while five of the eight Bible highly religious college students reported fewer Belt states mandate sex education (though, of these, strategies for reducing their risk of accidental one only mandates sex education if the pregnancy rate pregnancy and STI transmission (Anders et al. 2017). for teen girls ages 15-17 is higher than 19.5%), only Comprehensive Sex Education: Goals and Tactics one requires that the information taught be medically The goal of abstinence-only education to reduce accurate (Guttmacher Institute 2019). None of the non-marital sexual activity can be contrasted with eight Bible Belt states require that their sex education common goals of comprehensive sex education programs be unbiased (Guttmacher Institute 2019). programs, which more directly relate to public health. Also, none of these states ban sex education teachers These programs tend to include priorities such as: from promoting religion in their lessons (Guttmacher to educate students about methods for preventing Institute 2019). In , localities need to seek unintended pregnancy and STI transmission, to equip approval from the state department in order to include students with knowledge about all their reproductive information on contraception or STIs in their lessons health options, and to give students space to define (Guttmacher Institute 2019). Plus, only four of the their individual values around sex, as well as to eight Bible Belt states mandate condom information identify and understand the values of their parents be included in HIV education, despite the fact that and communities (Bridges and Hauser 2014). In condoms are, by far, the most effective option for other words, their goals tend to focus on universally lowering the rate of HIV transmission on a societal agreed upon positive public health outcomes, like the level (since abstinence is often not successfully carried reduction of unintended pregnancies and STIs, rather out) (Guttmacher Institute 2019). than morality-based control over young people’s sexual behaviors. Proponents of comprehensive sex education generally avoid making moral judgments about non-marital sex in their teachings, other than that it “should avoid risk and be non-exploitative” (Rom 2011, p. 2).

214 BRIDGEWATER STATE UNIVERSITY | THE UNDERGRADUATE REVIEW 2020 Table 1 Sex Education Policy in the Bible Belt

AL GA MS NC SC TN TX VA

Sex * Education X X X X ~ Mandated Must Be Medically X Accurate Cannot Promote Religion

Abstinence Stress Stress Stress Stress Stress Stress Stress Cover Info Importance of Sex Only X X X X X X X X Within Marriage Sexual Orientation Negative Negative Negative Info Condom Info Required in X X X X HIV Education

* Sex education is required if the pregnancy rate for 15-17 teen women is at least 19.5 or higher.

Note. Table adapted from Guttmacher Institute, Sex and HIV Education: State Laws and Policies, as of April 1, 2019.

215 Sex Education in the Bible Belt vs. New England Advancement Project 2019). The Bible Belt is thought of as being more Despite the unexpectedly similar conservative than most other areas in the US, but policies, looking at sexual health outcomes in does it really have a more conservative approach to the Bible Belt versus New England shows some sex education? To give a clearer picture of whether clear differences. Bible Belt states have some the Bible Belt’s sex education is representative of the of the highest rates of sexually transmitted US as a whole, it may be helpful to look at some data infections and teen pregnancy in the country, from New England3, an area with a reputation for its and they are consistently higher than New liberal politics. England’s rates (see Figures 1 and 2). Are the (somewhat underwhelming) differences Sex Education Policy in New England In terms of policy, New England surprisingly appears in state policies enough to account for these to be similar to the Bible Belt (see Table 2). Of the considerable differences in sexual health six New England states, only three of them mandate outcomes? Looking at state policies for sex that sex education be taught in schools, and only education is helpful to understanding the state two mandate that it be medically accurate. However, of sex education, but it is equally important to there are a few noteworthy differences. First, all eight look at what is actually being implemented. of the Bible Belt states require that sex education This is where the differences between sex classes promote marriage, while none of the New education in the Bible Belt versus New England states have this requirement (SIECUS 2018). England start to become more striking, which Also, only three of the fifty US states require that may help to explain the differences in sexual exclusively negative information be shared about health outcomes. sexual orientation, and all three of those are Bible Belt states. In contrast, all six New England states have laws that protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people from discrimination, while no Bible Belt states have these laws (Movement

216 BRIDGEWATER STATE UNIVERSITY | THE UNDERGRADUATE REVIEW 2020 Table 2 Sex Education Policy in New England

CT ME MA NH RI VT

Sex Education X X X X Mandated Must Be Medically X X Accurate Cannot Promote Religion

Abstinence Cover Stress Cover Stress Cover Info Importance of Sex Only Within Marriage Sexual Orientation Inclusive Inclusive Inclusive Info Condom Info Required in X X X HIV Education

Note: Table adapted from Guttmacher Institute, Sex and HIV Education: State Laws and Policies, as of April 1, 2019.

217 Figure 1. STI Rates: Bible Belt & New England

Rate per 100,000 Population

1200

1000

800 HIV/AIDS

600 Gonorrhea

400 Chlamydia

200 Syphilis 0 AL GA MS NC SC TN TX VA CT ME MA NH RI VT

Data from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Sexually Transmitted Disease

Surveillance, 2017.

Figure 2 Teen Pregnancy Rates: Bible Belt & New England

Number of pregnancies per 1,000 females ages 15-19

Note. Data from Guttmacher Institute Data Center (2013).

218 BRIDGEWATER STATE UNIVERSITY | THE UNDERGRADUATE REVIEW 2020 Contraception Education: The Bible Belt and New to poverty and debt. Furthermore, a lack of sex England education prevents individuals from making informed Despite their similar policies, Bible Belt states decisions about their bodies. implement comprehensive sex education far less In addition to sexual health education, the widely than New England states (see Figure 3). The prevalence of sexual consent education in a region average percentage of schools that teach students can also impact wellness outcomes. Sexual assault about condoms in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 is roughly is, unfortunately, very common in our country — 50% in the Bible Belt, as opposed to roughly 83% 43.6% of women and 24.8% of men in the US report in New England. Additionally, this trend is the case experiencing sexual assault in their lifetime (CDC across almost all of the sexual health topics that 2015). It is encouraging to note, though, that young SIECUS measured, including information about men who are informed about the definition of consent other contraceptives, preventative care for sexual and for sex (e.g., “must be fully conscious and must feel reproductive health, sexual orientation, gender roles, free to act”) are less likely to perpetrate sexual assault gender identity, and gender expression, all of which (Salazar et al. 2018). Since knowledge of sexual were taught significantly more widely in New England consent is shown to be an effective protecting factor schools (SIECUS 2018). This trend was not true for against perpetrating sexual assault, there is a strong the topics of “benefits of abstinence” and healthy argument for including sexual consent education in relationships, which were taught at about the same rate schools. in both . Additionally, the negative representation of homosexuality in Bible Belt sex education programs Unequal Access Means Unequal Rights may contribute to , discrimination, and The data suggests that unequal access to sexual health negative mental health outcomes for homosexuals. information creates unequal health and wellness Interviews with homosexuals in the Bible Belt outcomes. Negative health and wellness outcomes suggest that the prevalence of negative beliefs about can limit individuals’ opportunities to work, get an homosexuality contribute to a variety of personal education, and pursue their interests. Health issues can issues, including depression, low self-worth, and fear also come with large financial costs, which contribute

BRIDGEWATER STATE UNIVERSITY | THE UNDERGRADUATE REVIEW 2020 219 Figure 3 Contraception Education: The Bible Belt & New England

Percent of schools that reported teaching about contraceptives in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12.

Note: Data from SIECUS, State Profiles, Fiscal Year 2018. Information is self-reported by

schools and may have a bias toward more positive policies and practices. Texas did not report

this information to the CDC.

220 BRIDGEWATER STATE UNIVERSITY | THE UNDERGRADUATE REVIEW 2020 of going to hell (Barton 2010). (but is not necessarily limited to) , , In addition to failing to provide sufficient sex Mississippi, North Carolina, , Tennes- education, Bible Belt states also tend to put stricter see, Texas, and . restrictions on . These restrictions prevent women — especially poor women and women 2.The use of exaggeration and scare tactics in sex ed- of color — from being able to choose when and ucation programs was famously parodied in the 2004 whether to have children, as the barriers to having teen comedy Mean Girls (dir. Mark Waters, 2004), an are difficult for many women to navigate which features a scene in which the main characters’ (Castle 2011). These state level restrictions create sex education teacher, Coach Carr, warns the class, unequal reproductive rights among American women, “Don’t have sex, because you will get pregnant and depending on where they reside. die! Don’t have sex in the position, don’t

Conclusion have sex standing up, just don’t do it, OK, promise?” The reality is that almost all Americans have This use of “promise?” pokes fun at the ineffective- premarital sex (roughly 95% by age 44) (Finer 2007). ness of abstinence-only programs and “promise rings,” Increasing access to comprehensive sex education, which many evangelical Christian teens wear as a regardless of the marital status of students, would way of showing their commitment to abstinence from likely improve sexual health outcomes on a large scale premarital sex. (Finer 2007). Withholding this information interferes with individuals’ abilities to make choices that 3. New England consists of six states: Connecticut, promote their well-being. , Massachusetts, , Rhode Island,

Notes and . 1. The Bible Belt is generally considered to be the cluster of states in the where conservative evangelical Protestantism is, by far, the prevalent belief system of residents. This area includes

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Pictures.

About the Author Nicole Mazzeo is a Sociology major who has been interested in sexuality education for several years. She designs alternative sex-education materials that focus

224 BRIDGEWATER STATE UNIVERSITY | THE UNDERGRADUATE REVIEW 2020

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