Sexual education has been an important part of the school curriculum for many years.
It is often controversial because of its potential impact on young people's belief systems. In Serbia, the issue becomes more complicated due to the presence of two major religions that have different views on human behavior - Orthodox Christianity and Islam. This paper will explore how Orthodox sexual education in Serbia mediates between religious doctrine and modern scientific understanding and how youth negotiate these conflicting messages.
The Orthodox Church believes that sex should only take place within marriage and is forbidden outside it. It also promotes chastity before marriage, celibacy, and monogamy after marriage. The Church teaches that sex can be used for procreation but not for pleasure. According to the Quran, sex is permissible as long as it follows certain rules, such as mutual consent and avoidance of adultery and homosexuality. These two religions may seem to differ significantly regarding their attitudes towards sex, but there are some similarities too. Both emphasize the importance of respecting one's spouse, practicing abstinence until marriage, and using contraception to prevent pregnancy.
How does this information get communicated to young people? Orthodox schools typically offer classes on reproductive health and family planning. Students learn about the biological processes involved in reproduction and how to use birth control methods effectively. They also receive guidance on the social aspects of relationships, including communication and conflict resolution skills. Muslim schools usually provide a broader range of topics, covering issues like gender roles, marriage customs, and sexual hygiene.
They often rely heavily on religious texts rather than scientific research.
Youth tend to have mixed feelings about both approaches. Some appreciate the fact that their teachers address sensitive topics openly and without judgment. Others feel pressured by the strict guidelines imposed by their faith and want more freedom to explore their own choices. In recent years, there has been an increase in secular alternatives, where young people can learn about different aspects of human behavior without any religious influence.
These courses are still rare and often face resistance from conservative parents who believe that education should promote traditional values.
Sexual education in Serbia remains a complex issue due to its intersection with religion and culture. While the two major religions have distinct views on sexuality, they share some common principles that can be taught in school settings. Youth must negotiate conflicting messages between what they learn at home and what they hear at school, leading to confusion and anxiety. More research is needed to understand how best to balance modern science and religious doctrine when educating students about sex.
How does Orthodox sexual education in Serbia mediate between religious doctrine and modern scientific understanding, and how do youth negotiate these conflicting messages?
The tension between traditional Christian moral values regarding sex and modern secular ideas about gender roles, sexuality, and relationships has been intensifying over time, which is especially visible among adolescents. The current research on sexual education policies in Serbia shows that the state has not yet implemented any comprehensive educational program in schools. Therefore, parents are the main providers of sexual information for their children, while schools provide only some basic knowledge through biology classes.