The sex-map as didactic object: Ontonorms in Swedish sex education

Abstract

This study explores the ‘sex-map’, a didactic object developed in Sweden. The analysis focuses on teacher guidelines and an animated movie for classroom use and how the sex-map becomes a method for emphasizing students as actors in defining sexuality. Building on Mol’s notion of ontonorms, the emphasis is on ways in which the ontology of young sexuality is associated with arguments about what is ‘good’ in and for sex education. The sex-map incorporates ideal students’ experiences, discoveries, and positive feelings. Via students, a critique is mounted against one-path sexuality, underscoring the importance of ‘good’ non-hierarchical sexuality as exemplary sex education.