Title: Researching cultural backgrounds to establish effective sexuality education programs.

POPLINE Document Number: 120350

Author(s):

Wagner L

Source citation:

SIECUS REPORT, 1997 Jan;25(2):17-8.

Abstract:

The sociocultural environment in Indonesia's Batam Island has been disrupted by tourism, trade, prostitution, temporary marriages with foreign businessmen, and a general infusion of Western values. To facilitate the design of an effective sex education and reproductive health program, the Perspective Foundation of Indonesia conducted a reproductive health survey of 125 men and women from 11 island villages. Polygamy was defended as an alternative to sex with prostitutes, although younger men had more favorable attitudes toward sex outside of marriage. Contraception is viewed solely as a means of pregnancy prevention, and many women expressed discomfort with side effects. Younger men use condoms for protection with prostitutes, but not with their primary partners. Human immunodeficiency virus is viewed as a homosexual disease spread by touching. Views about sex roles are traditional, and men are considered as not masculine if they support their partner's needs. Finally, islanders believe that the male sexual drive is designed for procreation and pleasure, while the female sex drive is strictly for procreation. On the basis of these findings, researchers have decided to incorporate sex education within the broader context of health promotion and disease prevention.

Keywords:

Indonesia
Surveys
Sex Education
Culture
Program Development
Asia, Southeastern
Asia
Developing Countries
Sampling Studies
Studies
Research Methodology
Education
Programs
Organization and Administration