Narratives of change in sexuality education: an analysis of Swedish lower secondary level textbooks

Sexuality is a key aspect of life and health, and representations of historical change are a central part of sexuality education. This article examines how narratives of change are constructed in textbook content on sexuality. Its aim is to analyse narratives of change as portrayed in Swedish textbooks for early teenagers. Data were collected from Swedish textbooks and analysed using thematic analysis. Key findings included a tendency towards the use of teleological narratives of change alongside 'non-controversial' utopian goals. Change regarding sex and sexuality was commonly constructed as moving from discrimination to tolerance, and from beliefs to knowledge. The textbooks seldom discussed the political dimensions of change and were frequently marked by a consensus-orientation, obscuring underlying conflicts. These factors limit the abilities of textbooks to support the development of action competence among young people regarding sex and sexuality.