Teaching about sex and sexuality in social work: an international critical perspective

Abstract

Based on the recent call to expand the discussion about sex and sexuality in social work, and coming from an international perspective, this paper offers a theoretical and practical strategy for teaching sex and sexuality in social work. The pedagogical strategy aims at creating a critical thinking classroom. Specifically, the paper presents six key topics for teaching sex and sexuality critically in social work: 1. Sexuality in social work fields; 2. Sexuality as a social constructed phenomenon; 3. Categorizations and sexual identities; 4. Structural based privileges and disadvantages; 5. Reproduction of power asymmetries through microaggressions; 6. Expanding the conception of sexuality in social work. Each topic is presented with suggestions for literature and critical questions for classroom.

Social workers’ perceptions of intimate relationships of people with intellectual disabilities in residential settings

“…Emphasis should also be placed on the positive aspects of intimacy and sexuality. Recent advancements in the profession, including writings on positive sexuality, sexual well-being, and rights (e.g., Dodd, 2020; Giertsen et al, 2021) will be instrumental in informing these efforts. Relatedly, these efforts should be informed by disability rights and social perspectives of disability, as well as their connections and relevance to other critical social work perspectives (e.g., anti-oppressive, radical and structural frameworks; e.g., Slayter et al, 2022).…”