‘Big and Tough’ : Boys learning about sexuality and manhood

Forrest, S.

doi:10.1080/14681990050109845

‘Big and Tough’ : Boys learning about sexuality and manhood

Forrest, S.

Authors

Professor Simon Forrest simon.forrest@durham.ac.uk
Head Of St Hild And St Bede College

Abstract

This paper explores adolescent boys" reactions to, and experiences of, school-based sex education. Using data and findings from a range of studies, it describes dominant patterns of response, and posits reasons for boys" frequent rejection and disruption of lessons. The relationship between bodily size and social capital and hierarchies of masculine sexual power and status is addressed. Evidence is presented which demonstrates that bravado and disruption are reactions to sex education which fails to address boys" needs. We need to create learning environments in which they can at least temporarily put to one side the need to behave in rigid sex-stereotypical ways.

Citation

Forrest, S. (2000). ‘Big and Tough’ : Boys learning about sexuality and manhood. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 15(3), 247-261. https://doi.org/10.1080/14681990050109845

Journal Article Type	Article
Publication Date	Aug 1, 2000
Deposit Date	Jun 25, 2009
Publicly Available Date	Feb 17, 2010
Journal	Sexual and Relationship Therapy
Print ISSN	1468-1994
Electronic ISSN	1468-1749
Publisher	Taylor and Francis Group
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	15
Issue	3
Pages	247-261
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1080/14681990050109845

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Copyright Statement
This is an electronic version of an article published in 'Sexual and Relationship Therapy'(c)2000 Copyright Taylor & Francis; 'Sexual and Relationship Therapy' is available online at: http://www.informaworld.com/1468-1994