AN EXPLORATION OF SCOTTISH CITIZENS GENDERED EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVES OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEXUAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMES AND HOW THIS AFFECTS THE USE OF THE C-CARD SCHEME

Abstract

The research explores people's gendered experience toward the RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) curriculum and how sex/gender impacts the perception of using a C-cards scheme in a Scottish context. Existing literature surrounding femininity and masculinity has offered a descriptive analysis of the 'norms' of femininity and masculinity. Additionally, the need to address inequalities in sexual health outcomes is imperative by looking at literature findings. This study will look at how they tie in with our attitudes towards the C-card scheme and the effect our gender has when participating in it the RSE curriculum and access to the C-card scheme. Through 12 semi-structured interviews of 18–28-year-old males and females, this study will uncover how people perceive the C-card scheme, explicitly concerning their gender/sex. Following previous findings from the literature, the narratives unveil that sex, specifically the associated 'norms', such as sexual availability and femininity/masculinity, have influenced the participants' ability to use the C-card scheme comfortably. The research will also explore people's attitudes towards the RSE curriculum and how sex/gender impacts participants' experience of participating in the RSE curriculum. Finally, we will look at a correlation between the RSE curriculum and the gendered experiences of participants and how this affects their access to the C-card scheme.