A content analysis of LGBTQ+ representation in Irish SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education) textbooks

The current study examines LGBTQ+ representation in Irish SPHE textbooks in comparison to heterosexual representation, analysing the proportion of LGBTQ+ content to heterosexual content and exploring the themes present in both types of content. This will be achieved by coding 10 Irish SPHE textbooks that incorporate the new 2023 curriculum and dividing the content on sexuality and relationships into ‘hits’. The hits were then coded by the sexuality and themes they represent. The results indicated that there was an overrepresentation of queer-only hits across the textbooks. However, this changed to an overrepresentation of heterosexual-only hits when chapters on sexuality were removed. In addition how sexualities were represented thematically were in line with heteronormative hidden theory, where heterosexual content was overrepresented in sexual education, dating and relationships and family themes. In contrast, LGBTQ+ was overrepresented in discrimination, mental health, and...Show moreThe current study examines LGBTQ+ representation in Irish SPHE textbooks in comparison to heterosexual representation, analysing the proportion of LGBTQ+ content to heterosexual content and exploring the themes present in both types of content. This will be achieved by coding 10 Irish SPHE textbooks that incorporate the new 2023 curriculum and dividing the content on sexuality and relationships into ‘hits’. The hits were then coded by the sexuality and themes they represent. The results indicated that there was an overrepresentation of queer-only hits across the textbooks. However, this changed to an overrepresentation of heterosexual-only hits when chapters on sexuality were removed. In addition how sexualities were represented thematically were in line with heteronormative hidden theory, where heterosexual content was overrepresented in sexual education, dating and relationships and family themes. In contrast, LGBTQ+ was overrepresented in discrimination, mental health, and sexuality themes. Overall, the new SPHE textbooks set a positive example for LGBTQ+ representation at the secondary level by incorporating a substantial amount of LGBTQ+ content and showcasing a diverse range of LGBTQ+ identities and experiences. The textbooks employ a third-person open approach to teaching sexuality, enabling readers to incorporate their own experiences into the text, thereby potentially fostering a more inclusive learning experience. However, the findings indicate a need for continuous representation of LGBTQ+ content throughout SPHE textbooks in everyday contexts, alongside the specified content on explicit LGBTQ+ issues. Additionally, there is a need for greater intersex representation and more comprehensive LGBTQ+ sexual education.Show less

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A content analysis of LGBTQ+ representation in Irish SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education) textbooks