Health and Sexuality Education in Schools: The Process of Social Change. - book reviews

Adolescence, Summer, 1999

RIDINI, Steven P. Westport, CT: Bergin and Garvey, 1998. 224pp. $59.95 (h).

Many models of community organization focus on the decision-making structure within the community, rather than on the process of social change. Therefore, we often know who makes community decisions without knowing much about how and why these decisions are made. In this investigation of health and sexuality education in schools, the process of social change is explored by conducting comparative case studies of two Massachusetts communities. Chapters include: alpha case study - students and adults working together; beta case study - if at first you don't succeed, try, try again; a call for health and sexuality education programs; obtaining community support for health and sexuality education programs; opposition to health and sexuality education programs; neutralizing opposition; implementing school-based health and sexuality education programs; conclusion and implications.