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The Source: Volume 2, Issue 1, October 1998
Adolescent Health
The Commonwealth Fund Survey of the Health of Adolescent Girls
The Commonwealth Fund Commission on Women’s Health
In this study, girls and boys in grades 5 through 12 completed in-class questionnaires
in 265 public, private, and parochial schools. The survey covered a broad array of issues
related to five central topics: 1) abuse and violence, 2) mental health, 3) health and
risky behaviors; 4) access to health care, and 5) communication with physicians and other
health care professionals.
1997; The Commonwealth Fund, One East 75th Street, New York, NY 10021-2692;
Phone: 888/777-2744; Fax: 212/606-3500; E-mail: cmwf@cmwf.org Web site: http://www.cmwf.org
In Their Own Words: Adolescent Girls Discuss Health and Health Care Issues
The Commonwealth Fund Commission on Women’s Health
This report is a result of a series of focus groups conducted in preparation for a
nationwide survey of the health of adolescent girls ages 10 to 19. The issues addressed
include: "Access to Health Care Information," "Sources of Health Care
Support," "Adolescent Mental Health Issues," "Drug and Alcohol
Abuse," "Reproductive Health and Sexuality," "Women and
Violence," "Health Conditions/Disease Affecting Women," and "Health
Nutrition and Diet."
1997; The Commonwealth Fund, One East 75th Street, New York, NY 10021-2692;
Phone: 888/777-2744; Fax: 212/606-3500; E-mail: cmwf@cmwf.org Web site: http://www.cmwf.org
Adolescent Pregnancy
Involving Males in Preventing Teen Pregnancy: A Guide for Program Planners
Freya L. Sonenstein, et al
This guide is intended for program planners in California and throughout the country who
wish to implement programs involving males in teenage pregnancy prevention. It has three
main purposes:
to dispel myths about the target population by providing a description of the male partners of potential teenage mothers.
to identify established pregnancy prevention programs that have successfully involved males in different settings around the country, and
to distill practical lessons from the experiences of these exemplary programs for programs still at the fledgling stage.
1997; The Urban Institute Press, P.O. Box 7273, Dept. C, Washington, DC 20044; Phone: 877/847-7377; Fax: 202/467-5775; E-mail: pubs@ui.urban.org Web site: http://www.urban.org
Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy: A Youth Development Approach
This report, prepared by the National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth for The Family
and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB), presents strategies for supporting young people as they
move toward adulthood. Chapters include "Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention in a Time of
Change," "The Abstinence Versus Education Debate," "Pregnancy
Prevention From the Youth Development Perspective," "Ideas for Getting
Started," "Building on Lessons Learned." It also includes a list of
sources, a bibliography, and resource organizations.
1998; National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth; P.O. Box 13505; Silver Spring, MD
20911-3505; Phone: 301/608-8098; Fax: 301/608-8721; E-mail: Info@ncfy.com
Adolescent Sexual Behavior
National Survey of Teens: Teens Talk about Dating, Intimacy, and their Sexual
Experiences
Kaiser Family Foundation and YM Magazine
This in-depth national survey of teens (650 boys and girls ages 13 to18) demonstrates what
kinds of sexual situations teens encounter today, how they "negotiate" dating,
sex, and intimacy, and what kind of information they need.
1998; The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2400 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025;
Phone: 800/656-4533; Fax: 650/854-4800; Web site: http://www.kff.org
Condoms
The Latex Condom—Recent Advances, Future Directions
Family Health International
This report reviews latex condom studies involving effectiveness, user acceptability, and
behavior trends. Manufacturing and quality assurance issues are also discussed. Written by
scientists, product compliance specialists, and policy experts, it summarizes future
directions for manufacturing and designing the latex condom, as well as research
priorities on acceptability and behavioral issues.
1998; Family Health International, Publications Department, P.O. 13950, Research
Triangle Park, NC 27709; Phone: 919/544-7040; Fax: 919/544-7261; Web site: http://www.fhi.org
Education
Separated by Sex: A Critical Look at Single-Sex Education for Girls
American Association of University Women Educational Foundation (AAUW)
This report challenges the popular idea that K-12 single-sex education is better for girls
than coeducation. A key finding of this study is that qualities of a good education foster
student achievement regardless of whether girls and boys learn separately or together.
Although it does not address sexuality education, it is helpful in supporting the argument
that there is no evidence that single-sex education works or is better for girls than
coeducation.
1998; American Association of University Women Educational Foundation; 1111 Sixteenth
Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036; Phone: 202/785-7700; Fax: 202/872-1425; Web site: http://www.aauw.org
HIV/AIDS
Kaiser Family Foundation National Survey of African Americans on HIV/AIDS
This survey sheds light on the knowledge, values, and beliefs of a large sample of
African-American adults with respect to HIV and AIDS in this country. It describes the
perceptions and attitudes of African-Americans, as well as subgroups within the
African-American community including women, young adults, parents, opinion leaders, and
those with less education and lower incomes. The survey covers an important period in the
fight against HIV/AIDS, especially for African-Americans: the potential optimism offered
by new drug treatments contrasts with the increasing impact of HIV/AIDS on
African-Americans. Their hope is that the findings from this survey might result in a
better understanding of public knowledge and perspectives among African-Americans on this
important issue and contribute to more effective efforts of all those working to reduce
the social, economic, and individual costs of the AIDS epidemic.
1998; The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2400 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025;
Phone: 800/656-4533; Fax: 650/854-4800; Web site: http://www.kff.org
Kaiser Family Foundation
National Survey of Latinos on HIV/AIDS
This report is intended to inform and stimulate increased dialogue about HIV/AIDS in
Latino communities as well as provide a better understanding of Latino perspectives on
HIV/AIDS to all those who are working to reduce the social, economic, and individual costs
of the AIDS epidemic. Findings address the following: "Perceptions and Knowledge
About HIV/AIDS Among All Latinos," "Language and Perceptions of HIV/AIDS,"
"Regional Location and Perceptions of HIV/AIDS Among Latinos," "Income,
Education and Attitude Towards/Knowledge of HIV/AIDS Among Latinos," "Religion
and Perceptions of HIV/AIDS Among Latinos," "Latinas and HIV/AIDS,"
"Latino Parents and HIV/AIDS," "Younger Latinos and HIV/AIDS," and
"HIV/AIDS and Local Opinion Leaders."
1998; The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2400 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025;
Phone: 800/656-4533; Fax: 650/854-4800; Web site: http://www.kff.org
Religion
Sexuality and Christianity: A Bibliography Focusing on the Catholic Experience
Lisa M. Hisel, Catholics for a Free Choice
This bibliography presents many of the Catholic and some of the Christian voices in the
ongoing discussion of human sexuality. It is designed for several audiences: reproductive
health professionals, activists, and public policy makers whose understanding of religious
aspects of human sexuality is essential; progressive Catholics and religious scholars
whose focus has not been sexuality; and librarians who can use this bibliography as a tool
to assist researchers in religion and sexuality.
1998; Catholics for a Free Choice, 1436 U Street, N.W., Suite 301, Washington, DC
20009-3997; Phone: 202/986-6093; Fax: 202/332-7995; E-mail cffc@igc.apc.org Web site: http://www.cffc.org
Reproductive Health
Who Decides? A State-by-State Review of Abortion and Reproductive Rights, Special
Edition
The National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League Foundation (NARAL)
This report provides an in-depth look at reproductive rights in each state, including
abortion-related legislation introduced, voted on, and enacted in the last year, the
enforcement status of state abortion laws, and the number of women at risk of unintended
pregnancy. The report also reviews whether states mandate sexuality education, including
information about contraception and STD/HIV prevention. For the first time, this NARAL
report identifies states that require private insurance companies to provide coverage for
contraception.
1998; The National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League Foundation (NARAL),
1156 15th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20005; Phone: 202/973-3000; Web site: http://www.naral.org
Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Human Sexuality, Sixth Edition
Robert T. Francoeur and William J. Taverner
This book presents controversial issues in a debate style format. The editors provide a
concise introduction to each issue and a postscript summary. The topics that are presented
include issues addressing "Biology, Behavior, and Human Sexuality," "Issues
in Reproduction and Health,’ and "Legal and Social Issues."
1998; $17.88; ISBN 0-697-39145-0; McGraw-Hill Companies, P.O. Box 545, Blacklick, OH
43004; Phone: 800/262-4729; Fax: 614/759-3641.
Sexual Mutilations: A Human Tragedy
Edited by George C. Denniston and Marilyn Gayre Milos
This book deals with the controversial subject of both male and female genital mutilation
by presenting information against this practice. It discusses the history, physical and
psychological consequences, and its role in tradition.
1997; $ 79.50; ISBN 0-306-45589-7; Plenum Publishing, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY
10013; Phone: 800/221-9636; Fax: 212/807-1047; Web site: http://www.plenum.com
Handbook of Human Sexuality
Benjamin B. Wolman, Editor, and John Money, Consulting Editor
Formatted in encyclopedia style, this work analyzes the healthy and unhealthy aspects of
sexuality and sexual behavior. The handbook offers an objective and current presentation
of scientific research.
1993; $55.00; ISBN 0-87668-775-3; Jason Aronson, Inc., 400 Keystone Industrial Park,
Dunmore, PA 18512; Phone: 800/782-0015; Fax: 717/348-9297; Web site http://www.aronson.com
The Gender Sexuality Reader: Culture, History, Political Economy
Roger N. Lancaster and Micaela di Lenorado
This book is an anthology of essays that focus on current issues of gender, sexuality,
body politics, and race. It represents cross-cultural and historical research by many
disciplines including anthropology, biology, comparative literature, and history.
1997; $27.99; ISBN 0-415-91005-6; Routledge, 7625 Empire Drive, Florence, KY
41042-2919; Phone: 800/634-7064; Fax: 800/248-4724; Web site: http://www.routledge-ny.com
The United States Conference on AIDS, sponsored by National Minority AIDS Council, is scheduled for October 29 – November 1, 1998, at the Adam’s Mark Hotel, Dallas, TX. This conference is presented by 12 national AIDS organizations representing the diverse faces of community-based AIDS service organizations that are responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis across this country. It brings together thousands of leaders, key decision makers, and front-line service providers. On-site registration $550. All registrations received after September 25, 1998 are considered on-site registration.
For more information:
The United States Conference on AIDS
National Minority AIDS Council
1931 13th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009-4432
202/483-6622
Second Annual GLSEN National Conference presented by The Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is scheduled for October 31 – November 2, 1998 at the Oakland Marriott City Center, Oakland, CA. Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) conferences provide those working to create more inclusive climates on issues of sexual orientation in K-12 schools with concrete tools they can use in their work. Sessions at past conferences have included "Gay and Lesbian History for High School Students," "But They’re Too Young! Discussing Gay and Lesbian Issues with Elementary-Age Students," "Impacting School Board Elections: A guide for Citizens," and "’Straight But Not Narrow: The Role of Heterosexual Allies". Late/On-Site registration $245/individual. All registrations received after October 15 are considered late/on-site registration.
For more information:
Teaching Respect For All
Convention and Meeting Services
11325 Sunrise Gold Circle, Suite 4
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
916/853-8555
1998 NOAPPP 10th Annual Conference, Supporting Adolescents to Attain Self-Sufficiency is presented by National Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Parenting and Prevention, Inc. (NOAPPP) is scheduled for November 1-4, 1998, at the Adams Mark Hotel, Denver, CO. The pre-conference held on November 1, 1998 will feature sessions addressing raising sexually healthy young people, program evaluation, how to find and win foundation and corporation grants, across agency case management, interactive parenting education, and cultural competence. The conference will include workshops on adolescent pregnancy, parenting, and prevention as well as economic self-sufficiency, child development/parenting skills, professional development, support systems/relationships and adolescent healthcare and education. NOAPPP will also host an annual awards program to recognize programs, groups and individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the field. Registration postmarked after October 15, 1998 is $300/member and $360/non member.
For more information:
National Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Parenting, and Prevention (NOAPPP)
1319 F St., N.W., Suite 400
Washington, DC 20004
202/783-5770
11th Annual Creating Change ’98, The National Conference for the Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Movement, presented by The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is scheduled for November 11-15, 1998, at the Westin William Penn Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA. This conference addresses issues framed within the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender movement. Creating Change begins with two days of pre-conference institutes and full-day sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, November 11 and 12. The conference opens with an evening plenary session on Thursday November 12. On Friday and Saturday November 13—14, 150 workshops to enhance skills and build confidence of activists and organizers on a wide range of issues will be offered. On-site registration for the conference only $200/individual. All registrations received after October 15 are considered on-site registration.
For more information:
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
2320 17th St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20009-2702
202/332-6483
Sexuality and The Media : Hooray For Hollywood? presented by The Society For The Scientific Study of Sexuality and the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors & Therapists is scheduled for November 11-15, 1998 at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel, Los Angeles, CA. This 1998 joint annual meeting will address the impact of the media on sexuality. Issues that will be addressed include: Sexual themes and images in television and film; the use of media in treating sexual dysfunction; the use of media in the treatment of sexual abusers; the role and limits of sexual media in sex education; attitudinal and behavioral effects of aggressive and degrading media; media as a tool in promoting sexual responsibility; and the use of sexual images in advertising? Registration postmarked after October 5, 1998 $215 SSSS/AASECT member $260 non member.
For more information:
Howard J. Ruppel, Jr., Ed.D., Ph.D.
Coordinator, AASECT & SSSS 1998 Joint Meeting
319/895-8407
The International
Encyclopedia of Sexuality (follow link to order book - In
association with Amazon.com)
Robert T. Francoeur, Editor
The Continuum Publishing Company
370 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
1997, 3 Volumes, 1,737 pp.
$255, the set
Due to a tremendous rise in international travel over the past few decades as well as to advancing technologies that allow people on opposite sides of the globe to have instant communication via the Internet, the world is becoming smaller.
Certainly, the United States is increasingly becoming a multiethnic country. Our society is described as not so much a melting pot as a tossed salad with people of different cultures, races, and religions living together while maintaining their individual identities. Living in such a diverse culture, I have come to realize that it is important and challenging for researchers, scholars, educators, and clinicians, as well as nonprofessionals, to be able to understand the various sexual mores, customs, beliefs, and practices.
The International Encyclopedia of Sexuality fills a big gap in people’s knowledge about sexual attitudes and behaviors. It seriously treats the subject of sexuality, though it does not dwell solely on pathologies. What separates this encyclopedia from past international sexuality books is its distinct dissimilarity to a "guidebook to the sexual hot spots of the world."
Robert Francoeur, the editor, recruited teams from various countries to write, with the help of selected experts, about their country’s sexual attitudes and behaviors. The result is a three-volume set that covers sexuality from 32 countries around the world written in a straightforward manner with the help of a total of 170 contributors trained in an academic disciplines ranging from cultural anthropology to medical sexology.
Each chapter is dedicated to one country, and follows the editor’s outline of 15 broad topics that invite comparisons: demographics; basic sexological premises; religious and ethnic factors affecting sexuality; sexuality knowledge and education; autoerotic behavior and patterns; interpersonal heterosexual behaviors (children, adolescents and adults); homoerotic, homosexual, and ambisexual behaviors; gender-conflicted persons; significant unconventional sexual behaviors (including sexual coercion, prostitution, pornography, and erotica and paraphilias); contraception, abortion, and population planning; sexually transmitted diseases; HIV/AIDS; sexual dysfunctions, counseling, and therapies; research and advanced education; and aboriginals, important ethnic, racial, and/or religious minorities.
One of the characteristics that makes this encyclopedia so valuable is that the information is extremely accessible to the professional and lay person alike. The material provides rich data for cross-cultural analyses of sexuality and the "Comparison-Facilitating Index" makes the task that much easier. The authors of the chapter on Puerto Rico, for example, highlight the misunderstandings that can occur in the translation from one culture to another regarding sex role attitudes:
"Puerto Rican culture, like other Latino societies, stresses a very strong gender difference from birth, one that is reflected in every aspect of sexual expression and male-female interaction… Outside the Latino cultures, the terms macho and machismo carry a common pejorative male domination. However, in Spanish, the terms refer to male pride." (page 1,026)
The reader can very easily make a direct comparison with another culture by looking under the same "Character of Gender Roles" section for any other country. For example, in the chapter on gender roles in Russia, one finds the description:
"Soviet Russian general attitudes to gender roles and sex differences can be defined as a sexless sexism. On the one side, gender/sex differences have been theoretically disregarded and politically underestimated. The notions of sex and gender are conspicuously absent from encyclopedias, social-science and psychology dictionaries and textbooks. On the other side, both public opinion and social practices have been extremely sexist, all empirical sex differences being taken as given by nature." (page 1,047)
The emphases of the chapters clearly are on mainstream attitudes and customs rather than on exotic tales and titillating peeks into fringe sexual practices. One can read, for example, about the waning influence of official religious institutions on sexual behaviors in various parts of the world including Ireland and other Northern European countries as well as in South America and Puerto Rico. At the same time, one learns about the increasing sex-negative influence of fundamentalist orthodox religious groups in countries such as Israel, Russia, and the United States.
In the area of gay, lesbian, and bisexual civil rights, one sees evidence that activist groups are increasingly visible around the world while in some countries homosexuality remains virtually invisible.
The three volumes together also reveal a worldwide trend toward earlier sexual intercourse among adolescents as well as a decline in birth rates and family size, and an increase in the use of contraception, even in countries where it is illegal. The influence of history, politics, and religion are woven throughout.
Teachers working with culturally and ethnically diverse groups will find this to be an extremely valuable resource. Gaining some insight, for example, into the Indian culture’s views of sex roles, or how the Chinese look upon premarital sexual activity, will be a tremendous help to the classroom teacher, as well as to the sex therapist, and the marital counselor.
A comprehensive cross-cultural comparison of sexual attitudes and behaviors, The International Encyclopedia of Sexuality is an impressive and important contribution to our understanding of sexuality in a global society.
Reviewed by Eva S. Goldfarb , Ph.D. , assistant professor, Montclair State University.
This review appeared in SIECUS Report, Volume 26, Number 5.
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