Fostering Critical Awareness of the Role Media Play in Sexual Socialization

To help students understand how media inform sexual development, a group pedagogical method titled “Sexual Socialization and the Media” was developed for an undergraduate human sexuality course. Groups selected and analyze various forms of media. Reflections were provided on scripting, skills, symbolism, stereotypes, and messaging conflicts. Results from 35 students indicate a high level of efficacy with 94.3% recommending the assignment be used in future classes. In all, the assignment received a score of 93.3% in terms of its “…usefulness in understanding the connection between sexuality and the media.” Pedagogical approaches are an ideal conduit toward continued sexual development