Review: Fiennes, Natalie. Behind Closed Doors: Sex Education Transformed.

Abstract

In lieu of an abstract, here is the first paragraph of the review:

Approximately 25% of relationships in the UK begin online, but for same-sex couples, the percentage is nearly three times higher, around 70% (Fiennes 137-138). At the same time, more and more people are putting off sex and relationships, making today’s young people “the oldest virgins on record” (Fiennes 82). In Behind Closed Doors: Sex Education Transformed (2019), Natalie Fiennes explores this evolving landscape around sex, sexuality, and dating, as well as the ways in which we learn about and discuss these topics. Divided into chapters on sex, gender, (hyper)masculinity, body image, sexual consent, contraceptives, virginity, sexual violence, sexuality, pornography, sex work, and dating, this text offers its readers a number of useful entry points into a wide range of topics that Fiennes argues ought to play a larger role in sex education.