Introduction
Education lays an essential foundation for understanding society, contributes to more informed views, and prevents discrimination. The study by L贸pez-Orozco et al. (2022) is discussed in the current paper. It aims to explore the current situation in educational institutions regarding sexual and gender diversity education. Researchers consider the learning approaches used for these issues, their integration into the curriculum, and the impact of education about gender and sexual diversity (L贸pez-Orozco et al., 2022). The authors present a systematic mapping literature review to achieve the study’s objectives. The article focuses on studies characterizing efforts to incorporate gender and sexual education into school curricula. This focus allows researchers to contribute to the scientific literature by analyzing the current situation and describing opportunities for those facilities that have not yet incorporated inclusivity into their educational plans.
The study design chosen by the authors includes a systematic mapping process, which implies examining the existing literature on the topic under consideration. The authors followed several steps to achieve the study goals: identifying research questions, developing a search strategy, selecting libraries and studies, checking and excluding articles in two stages, and analyzing the data (L贸pez-Orozco et al., 2022). After using the criteria for inclusion and exclusion and studying the materials, 69 studies were included in the analysis.
After examining selected sources, the researchers identified several patterns in gender and sexual education. Most of the research on introducing these topics into the program took place at universities, and the more studied questions were related to health. People’s personal experiences and adaptations of school practices and learning were also important areas for studying. Almost half of the studies took place in the United States, and a significant part was in the UK. Facilities used various approaches to integrate gender and sexuality themes. For example, educators presented a gender perspective in the study of a specific subject, included issues on preventing discrimination, and introduced additional topics related to LGBT. The format of the classes included lectures, seminars, and workshops (L贸pez-Orozco et al., 2022). To promote inclusivity, institutions created safe spaces, expressed recognition of LGBT students, and supported empathy among peers. The authors conclude that integrating gender and sexual diversity topics into curricula can be challenging, but they are necessary and valuable.
Article Relevance
Research on sexuality and gender provides a better understanding of the population’s social life. These concepts can be considered from various perspectives, including economic, political, psychological, health, and other dimensions. Such studies are necessary as they contribute to protecting people’s rights and eliminating inequality and bias. For example, informing society about topical issues of sexuality and gender contributes to increased activism and, as a result, the promotion of political protection. Acceptance and support of LGBT representatives improve their well-being and contribute to society’s development. Scientific studies contribute to understanding sexual and gender diversity issues, which is essential in today’s world. Their results and findings can be integrated into education to promote a more inclusive and tolerant society.
Education occupies a significant part of people’s lives and affects their worldviews and formation as individuals. During this period, students should receive not only knowledge but also be able to understand and express themselves. As a result, educational institutions are responsible for informing about sexual and gender diversity and creating conditions for inclusivity (L贸pez-Orozco et al., 2022). The relevance of including gender and sexual diversity issues in school curricula is emphasized by the United Nations agenda on Sustainable Development Goals. It calls for creating educational institutions with a sensitive and inclusive environment that can protect children’s rights (L贸pez-Orozco et al., 2022). However, the influence of old patriarchal beliefs is still strong. Even institutions formally expressing their commitment to diversity may continue to maintain division and not pay enough attention to the information on gender and sexuality issues. Other establishments are still in a state of curricula changes or preparation for them and require additional guidelines for the process.
The topic presented in the considered article is also relevant because it contributes to the solution to the problem of discrimination, which still has a strong influence in modern society. Bias based on gender or sexual identification has significant negative consequences. Prejudice leads to social exclusion, relationship difficulties, and obstacles in career building. Moreover, the implications may include a deterioration in a person’s physical and mental health (Flentje et al., 2022). Education about sexual and gender diversity can reduce such discrimination. Therefore, the article on the current state of educational programs is relevant.
Theory Application
Functionalist theory can be applied to analyze the article under study. Although this approach has been significantly criticized, many of its provisions retain their influence. The functionalist perspective considers society as a single organism, where the various institutions interact with each other for the benefit of society (Nickerson, 2022). They convey norms and values, which constitute a social structure and form a person (Nickerson, 2022). As a result, this framework places a significant emphasis on social institutions and their impact on society, and education is one of these institutions.
Functionalism supposes a consensus among institutions in favor of joint work to maintain the stability of society. Institutions perform the functions of social regulation and integration and prevent disorganization. Schools as social institutions represent society in miniature and affect the formation of personality and the transfer of values and norms prevailing in society (Nickerson, 2022). For this reason, schools are essential, and the introduction of educational courses and perspectives on gender and sexuality in them can convey the values of inclusivity to new generations.
Functionalism also sees institutions as vital organs for society unification. Norms passed through the education system support socialization and strengthen society (Nickerson, 2022). For example, by conveying values and standards of inclusivity and respect for diversity in issues of gender and sexuality, people will be more tolerant and reduce bias and discrimination (L贸pez-Orozco et al., 2022). As a result, society will be more united and stronger if values of diversity guide people in their behavior.
Conclusion
Thus, the current paper considers an article on the importance and ways gender and sexuality issues can be taught within the education system. The introduction of these prospects is necessary for the development of society and its formation as more tolerant and inclusive. Understanding the issues of gender and sexuality and the diversity associated with them is essential for individuals, as it will help reduce bias and discrimination and protect people’s rights. Such assumptions of the article in consideration correlate with the sociological theory of functionalism. According to this approach, education is one of the critical institutions that acts in conjunction with several others for the good of society. As a social institution, the education system is able to convey the norms and values of diversity and inclusion in issues of gender and diversity, which will strengthen society.
References
Flentje, A., Clark, K. D., Cicero, E., Capriotti, M. R., Lubensky, M. E., Sauceda, J., Neilands, T. B., Lunn, M. R., & Obedin-Maliver, J. (2022). Minority stress, structural stigma, and physical health among sexual and gender minority individuals: Examining the relative strength of the relationships.Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 56(6), 573-591. Web.
L贸pez-Orozco, C. F., Lopez-Caudana, E., & Ponce, P. (2022). A systematic mapping literature review of education around sexual and gender diversities.Frontiers in Sociology, 7, 1-18. Web.
Nickerson, C. (2022). Understanding Functionalist theory. Simply Psychology. Web.