Searching for a congruent framework to teach sexuality in social work: a personal reflection

Abstract

In this article, I discuss how I design a sexuality course using queer theory. Based on the key concepts of queer theory, I structure the course into eight areas: (1) problematizing the notion of sexuality, (2) rethinking sexuality through queer theory, (3) the historical and social construction of sexuality, (4) the social organization of sexuality, (5) managing sexuality institutionally, (6) the institutionalization of sexuality, (7) the fluidity of identities, and (8) forms of resistance. The goals are to help social work students (1) understand how social, cultural and political forces, as well as institutional practices (informed by sexual knowledge), shape and regulate sexual life that in turn produces privilege and oppression, and (2) engage them to rethink and develop social work practice that is socially transformative.