Symbolic representation of breaking silence in sex education

Unveiling the Silence: How Sex Education in Slovakia Mirrors Global Struggles

Rhea Morgan in Culture & Society June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A Foucault-Inspired Analysis of Power, Discourses, and the Quest for Open Dialogue"

Sex education, a topic both vital and often fraught with controversy, remains a significant challenge in many societies. In Slovakia, despite having a curriculum on paper, effective implementation faces numerous hurdles. This analysis, inspired by the work of philosopher Michel Foucault, delves into the complexities surrounding sex education in Slovakia, examining the power dynamics, discourses, and silences that shape this critical area.

Foucault's theories provide a valuable framework for understanding how knowledge, power, and discourse intertwine to influence social practices. By applying his concepts, we can uncover the subtle ways in which societal norms, religious beliefs, and cultural values impact the provision—or absence—of comprehensive sex education.

This article aims to unpack these layers, shedding light on the struggles and potential pathways toward a more open and effective approach to sex education in Slovakia, offering insights that resonate far beyond its borders.

The Power of Silence: Discourses in Conflict

Symbolic representation of breaking silence in sex education

In Slovakia, the curriculum for sex education gives the impression of openness, but a deeper look reveals a different reality. Silence surrounding sex education in schools creates room for alternative, often religiously-aligned, discourses. This silence isn't merely an absence of discussion; it's a strategic tool. Many who should be advocating for comprehensive sex education find it advantageous to remain quiet, allowing them to observe and control the narrative.

Children and young people, who should be at the heart of this discussion, often find themselves speaking amongst themselves rather than being engaged in meaningful dialogue with adults. Those who remain silent and listen are often unprepared for the confessions and questions of younger generations, who are increasingly influenced by liberal media, particularly the internet. This lack of preparedness is compounded by a lack of basic skills needed to react and debate in this changed environment. The very individuals who should be guiding and supervising the discussion are often those least equipped to do so.

Key aspects of this dynamic include:

Strategic Silence: Silence as a deliberate strategy for control.
Discourse Isolation: Limited intergenerational dialogue.
Media Influence: The impact of liberal media on youth.
Supervisory Gaps: Supervisors are not equipped to listen effectively.

This silence allows certain conservative discourses to thrive, pushing aside comprehensive discussions about reproductive health, healthy relationships, and consent. It's a subtle but powerful way of shaping young people's understanding of sexuality, often leaving them vulnerable to misinformation and harmful stereotypes.

Breaking the Silence: A Path Forward

Ultimately, effective sex education requires dismantling the strategic silence and fostering open, honest, and inclusive dialogue. This means equipping educators with the resources and training they need to address sensitive topics, creating safe spaces for young people to ask questions, and challenging the conservative discourses that perpetuate misinformation and shame. By embracing a Foucaultian perspective, we can better understand the power dynamics at play and work towards a more equitable and empowering approach to sex education, not only in Slovakia but around the world.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2478/v10023-010-0002-3, Alternate LINK

Title: Analysis Of The Slovak Discourses Of Sex Education Inspired By Michel Foucault

Subject: Law

Journal: Human Affairs

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH

Authors: Ivan Lukšík, Dagmar Marková

Published: 2010-03-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is 'strategic silence' and how does it manifest in sex education in Slovakia?

In Slovakia, a 'strategic silence' operates within the sex education curriculum. This silence isn't just an absence of discussion; it's a deliberate tactic where key stakeholders, who should be advocating for comprehensive sex education, strategically remain quiet. This allows them to observe and subtly control the narrative, creating space for alternative, often religiously-aligned, discourses to flourish.

How can Foucault's theories help in analyzing the challenges in sex education in Slovakia?

Foucault's theories provide a framework to understand how knowledge, power, and discourse shape social practices. In the context of sex education in Slovakia, these theories help reveal how societal norms, religious beliefs, and cultural values impact the provision—or absence—of comprehensive programs. By examining these power dynamics, one can uncover how certain discourses become dominant while others are marginalized, influencing young people's understanding of sexuality and reproductive health.

What is meant by 'discourse isolation' and what are its consequences for young people in Slovakia?

The absence of open dialogue in Slovakia’s sex education leads to 'discourse isolation'. Children and young people are often left to discuss these topics among themselves, without meaningful engagement with informed adults. This isolation is particularly concerning because young people are heavily influenced by liberal media, especially the internet, yet lack the guidance and critical thinking skills to navigate this information effectively. This gap can lead to misinformation and harmful stereotypes.

What specific steps are needed to break the 'strategic silence' and improve sex education in Slovakia?

To improve sex education in Slovakia, one must dismantle the 'strategic silence' and foster open, honest, and inclusive dialogue. This includes equipping educators with the necessary resources and training to address sensitive topics, creating safe spaces for young people to ask questions, and challenging conservative discourses that perpetuate misinformation and shame. Embracing a Foucaultian perspective helps in understanding the power dynamics at play, enabling a more equitable and empowering approach.

What are the 'supervisory gaps' in sex education and how do they impact the quality of discussions in Slovakia?

The 'supervisory gaps' in Slovakia's sex education refer to the lack of preparedness among those who should be guiding these discussions. Often, the individuals responsible for supervising sex education are the least equipped to handle the complex questions and confessions of younger generations, who are increasingly influenced by liberal media. This lack of preparedness is compounded by a lack of basic skills needed to react and debate in this changed environment, hindering their ability to effectively guide young people.