Ethnicizing sexuality: an analysis of research practices in the Netherlands

Abstract

Ethnicity is a frequently used measure in research into youth and sexuality in the Netherlands, a country known and admired for its favourable sexual health outcomes. This paper critically examines the production of knowledge about sexuality and ethnicity in the Netherlands. It traces the concept of ethnicity through four research practices (rationales of taking up ethnicity and compiling research populations; determining ethnicity; statistical calculations and making recommendations). It shows how the notion of ethnicity is flexible, slippery and changeable, yet at the same time becomes solidified and naturalized in relation to sexuality. The paper is based on a literature review of youth and sexuality in the Netherlands.

What else can sex education do? Logics and effects in classroom practices

“…The assumption that homosexuality is denounced by the 'ethnic other' is widespread, and implies, incorrectly, that those who are 'autochthonous Dutch', 4 accept homosexuality without problems. To be Dutch is to subscribe automatically to sexually liberal values (Mepschen et al, 2010), whereas ethnic others are constructed as sexually risky (Krebbekx, Spronk, M'charek, 2017). Homosexuality is especially regarded as a difficult topic for discussion in multicultural classrooms (Bijster, 2016).…”

Sexy selves: Girls, selfies and the performance of intersectional identities

“…The framework of intersectionality has been criticised for its static conceptualisation of categories. According to Krebbekx et al (2016: 3), the framework 'assumes categories as given, knowable and stable' and 'claims to know which categories matter, and who belongs to them'. Instead, these authors propose to understand differences as 'always in the making'.…”

Watching six-packs, chilling together, spreading rumours: enacting heteronormativity through secondary school friendships and teaching practices

“…These schools are situated within and outside the Randstad, which is the region encompassing the four largest cities in the Netherlands (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht), where, it is estimated, 7 out of the 16 million people in the Netherlands live. The Randstad is also the part of the country where most studies are being conducted, based on the assumption that most social problems, including those that relate to sexuality, can be found in these urban areas (Krebbekx, Spronk, and M'charek 2017). To be able to contrast schools, one was situated within (Nexus High) 1 and two outside of the Randstad (Rijnsberg College and Bernarduslyceum).…”