Perception of the need for family life and sex education among low-income mothers

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate low-income black mothers' perception of family life and sex education. A sample of 218 mothers was used in the investigation. The Chi-square test of significance was used where variables and factors were statistically examined. Four factors were examined. They were concerned with mother's attitude toward (1) a need for family life and sex education, (2) family life and sex education for the entire family, (3) family life and sex information in the public school, and (4) the population crises phenomenon. The findings revealed that mothers were willing to support family life and sex education classes for themselves and for their children. The association between sex information and sex experimentation was unrelated when controlled by age and level of education. Additional findings revealed that small families are becoming popular and participation in a family planning clinic significantly influenced the small family concept. Mothers in the study, who indicated a willingness to attend a family life and sex education class, were significantly younger and had fewer children than mothers who indicated “no” to sex and family life education.