Course: TOPICS RHET COMP
Course Number: ENGL 4203
Instructor: Richardson, Stephanie A
Semester Taken: Spring 2021
Introduction to The Rise of Teen Pregnancy and Abstinence Only vs. Sex Education Taught in Schools
The objective audience for my research paper was the American education system. The main purpose for the proposal was to create dialogue comparing the usefulness of the current system to other westernized countries. The assignment looked to explore the rhetorical side of this argument from a non-emotional, but data driven perspective. The topic safe sex education and its ability to improvement gender relations and safety remains a deeply passionate discussion for me.
Discussing the FCC regulation as a form for silencing the first amendment can help examine why the US is struggling with teen pregnancy. There is a general understanding of abstinence only sex education is the idyllic agenda to protect the youth from certain ideas and lifestyles; but has this led to the sheltering of our youth which then induces ignorance on these topics. As we have discussed in class the lack of conversation leads to isolation on both sides of the gender creating a large disparity. The proposal granted me perspective of writing to convince the audience solely through logos; this strengthened my abilities as a writer and creative when apply rhetorical tools/perspectives. This aspect remains the strongest trait in the proposal because though it was written under a clear favorite in mind, it allows the reader to take the data and make their own informed opinion of the program’s effectiveness.
Research Proposal:
The Rise of Teen Pregnancy and Abstinence Only vs. Sex Education Taught in Schools
Jada J. Norris
Georgia State University
Abstract
America over the last decade has become the leading country in teen pregnancy and STDs in developed nations. The purpose of this research proposal is intended to examine the correlation and effects of teen pregnancy in America and through school administration use of abstinence-only or comprehensive education. Furthermore, the study will examine the promising results of diminishing the rates of teen pregnancy through comprehensive education and birth control. During this research proposal I plan to compare statistics and data involving teenager from ages of 15 to 19 evaluating the effectiveness of both abstinence-only and comprehensive sex education programs.
Literature Review
The Rise of Teen Pregnancy and Abstinence Only vs. Sex Education Taught in Schools
For the last decade the American education system has debated the correct course of action for preventing teenage pregnancy. Over the years there has been a battle between two options, abstinence-only or comprehensive sex education. According to research published in 2020, the decline in teen pregnancy has been linked to the improvement and easier access to contraception, and not a result in the declining to have sex in general (Leah H. Keller and Laura D. Lindberg). The institute further stated that there has been no evidence that infers abstinence only programs are responsible for the declining rates. The Guttmacher Institute research draws connections with another developing country that over the years has become a ranking factor in teen pregnancy, Great Britain. The article explains the steps that were taken by the British government to halt the spike, such as not focusing on abstinence only, but enabling young women between the ages of 16-19 the ability to receive contraception. Along with the easier access to contraception their sex education programs are used to advocate for students to have sex when they are comfortable, as well as correct and inform their knowledge on sexual and reproductive services (Leah H. Keller and Laura D. Lindberg).
According to the very well-known study by Mathematic, students who participate in abstinence only programs are just as susceptible to engage in sexual activity as those who have never attended the program (Christopher Trenholm, Barbara Devaney, and Ken Fortson). Furthermore, when looking into the abstinence-only sex education program it becomes not only harmful on the lack of information that is given to young adults, but it can violate many student liberties, negatively stigmatizes sex, and excludes many other teenagers that don’t conform to heteronormative ideology, and reinforces many negative gender stereotypes (Santelli, 2017).
Statistics have shown that about 1 in 4 teen girls are more likely to receive an STD through lack of sex education or by experience an abstinence-only education (Marshall Bright 2008). Further research has shown that women are least likely to benefit from an abstinence-only education as these tend to create a negative narrative that places blame onto women, as well as discriminating against female students. Such as presenting women as needing to be pure, acting as “gatekeepers” to men’s virginity, and blaming women for men’s indiscretions (Haberland and Rogow 2015). AOE (abstinence-only education) programs have also been criticized for presenting scientifically incorrect information and stigmatizing sex for young adult leading to a spike in self learning or peer learning sex education (Hildie Leung).
Hypothesis and Research questions
The general purpose of this research proposal is to examine the contrasting differences in Abstinence-only and comprehensive safe sex education and its effects on the teen pregnancy rate. In what ways are comprehensive safe sex more effective than others? How has other developed countries’ adoption of the education system protected, informed, and reduced the teen pregnancy rate? What is one way that the American sex education system improve? How do we inform all genders and non-binary students about safe sex with marginalizing them and re-enforcing gender roles/stereotypes?
The hypothesis for the proposal is that many students that were taught sex education in school were ill-prepared for sexual encounters and experiences, as well as not understanding how to have safe sex.
Methodology
Participants
The sample with consist of randomly selected participants between the ages of 15-19. All varying in ethnicity, race, religious, economic, social, and political background. Along with them being randomly selected I will then break down the participants to 3 smaller groups: ones who received an abstinence-only education, a comprehensive safe sex education, or no education at all.
Design
Using a quantitative research strategy for the study along with a descriptive research methodology I can help further understand the American population phenomenon of the increasing rates of teen pregnancy, as well as conduct an unbiased population study on the effectiveness of American sex education and how the average person feels once they have completed it. Does the average student feel prepared to engage in sexual activity safely? Do they feel they were given to tools and opportunity to maintain safe sex? These questions and many more will help determine not only which sex education is better for students but how it can be improved. For data collection I have opted for a two-part research evaluation, a questionnaire and interview. The selected participants will answer the questionnaire to gather background on them and their education. Once the questionnaire is finished, I will then sit down on interview them on their opinion on sex education and their personal sex education. Using inferential statistics, I can test my hypothesis and assess whether my data is generalizable to the public; the T-Test will help me show/determine the differences between my three groups, Abstinence-only, Comprehensive safe sex participants, and no education at all.
Procedure
Through using descriptive research methodology for the study, I will conduct a questionnaire survey that will extract answers from the randomly selected participants to gather a general background on their previous sex education in school. Asking the participants questions such as, “when did you first learn about sex education in school?”, “How old were you?”, “Was you sex education abstinence-only or comprehensive safe sex?”. Question such as those will allow me to gather data on the randomly selected people to get a general assumption on the average student sex education. After completing the survey, I will then interview the participants on their own opinions and grievances with American sex education and what could be added to ensure better education. Through creating and open and relaxing environment I can allow for the subjects to speak freely.
Independent and Dependent variables
The independent variables in the research are divided into three controlled groups being 1). Abstinence-only education, 2). Comprehensive safe sex education, 3). No education at all. The independent variable will answer the questionnaire based on the knowledge they have on the subject outside of my guidance. The questions will relate to sexual anatomy and contraceptives/STDs, the types of contraceptives. My dependent variable is the teen pregnancy and STD rates. Its more than likely that students who received a comprehensive education are more educated on the subject at hand and are unlikely to have as many unwanted pregnancies as possible or abortions. It’s suggested that participants with better/more knowledge on sex education their rate of teen pregnancy would decrease unlike the other two groups.
Ethics
To ensure ethics are maintained in the study the participants are voluntarily selected and aware of the information being gathered. Along with being able to withdraw from the research being conducted at any time. I will also maintain an unbiased perspective on all participants backgrounds and opinions on sex education.
Results
My research proposal is studying the dynamic cause and effect of student/teen pregnancy as it relates to sex education or the therefore lack of. I will compare AOE versus comprehensive safe sex education. With this is mind its suggested that participants with better/more knowledge on sex education their rate of teen pregnancy would decrease unlike the other two groups. With previous knowledge of other studies/journals and my own research conducted with participants I expect to find similar if not the same outcome. Similarly, I firmly believe that students from city or more urban backgrounds will mostly have received comprehensive education while the latter may receive abstinence only or no education at all.
Discussion
The overall results of this study provided my theory that students who received a comprehensive education were not only significantly more educated but overall, more prepared for sexual encounters. The research will help young adults walk into their sex lives more comfortable and safely, if they are providing with the right knowledge and materials. Shown through previous research that comprehensive safe sex is the best option for students, with enough research and data to back this claim it may change the mind of the education broad making it mandatory to teach comprehensive.
In future experiments I think it would be very important to research the STD transmission side of sex education and not heavily just the teen pregnancy. It could call attention to the exclusivity of sex education for the LGBTG+ community. Many people that fall into that category are often overlooked or marginalized leaving them unclear how to have safe sexual encounters. This also raises the question of making sure the experiment is unbiased and ethical.
The research experiment should also consider the religious, economic, and social backgrounds of the participants as I believe with further research, we’re going to find that these play a huge role and spike in our teen pregnancy rate. With further research it would be interesting to see a proposal that dives into the internet’s handle on how teen are getting their sex information in a modern social media society. This most likely plays a huge role in their education as most people found that their sex education in school was mediocre to inefficient.
Overall, the expected results from the proposal with the evidence from past one’s, seem to confirm the idea that comprehensive safe sex is the most efficient option for young adults to learn. The question that comes next after taking in this data is, “how do we improve education and make it as beneficial as possible”.