The “success story” of Dutch sexuality education

Research demonstrates that teenage pregnancy in the Netherlands is among the lowest in the world. In the United States for example teenage pregnancy is four times higher than in the Netherlands. In addition, while sexually transmitted infections (STI) are common, there is low prevalence in the general population.

As you will see in this documentary Dutch lessons in love: The history of sexual evolution, the succes story of sex education in the Netherlands is informed by a particular reading of its own history, as well as on empirical facts.

While you watch it, keep in mind the following questions:

• What is the overall narrative here?
• How does this video represent the past?
• What is considered progress in terms of gender and sexual wellbeing? How is the future represented?

The questions will be discussed in the following step.

CONTENT WARNING: The following documentary includes a brief scene of nudity.

Dutch Lessons in Love Part 1: Sixty years of sexual evolution in the Netherlands ©Rutgers

References

• Sedgh, G., Finer, L. B., Bankole, A., Eilers, M. A., & Singh, S. “Adolescent pregnancy, birth, and abortion rates across countries: Levels and recent trends.” Journal of Adolescent Health 56 no. 2 (February 2015): 223-230.
• Soul Film Productions, commissioned by Rutgers.“Dutch Lessons in love: The history of sexual evolution part 1”, 2016.
• Soul Film Productions, commissioned by Rutgers.“Dutch Lessons in love: The history of sexual evolution part 2”, 2016.