International norms and the politics of sexuality education in Nigeria
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Date
2018-06-03
Authors
Kunnuji, M.O.N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer Nature
Abstract
Background
Proponents have promoted sexuality education as a means of empowering adolescents, yet it has been thwarted in many low and middle-income countries. Nigeria represents an exception. Despite social opposition, the government in 1999 unexpectedly approved sexuality education policy. Since then, implementation has advanced, although efficacy has differed across states. We draw on theory concerning international norm diffusion to understand Nigerian policy development.
Results
We find that a confluence of international and national norms and interests shaped policy outcomes, including concern over HIV/AIDS. A central dynamic was an alliance of domestic NGOs and international donors pressing the Nigerian government to act.
Conclusions
We argue that theory on international norms can be applied to understand policy dynamics across a variety of health and population areas, finding value in approaches that integrate rather than juxtapose consideration of (1) international and national influences; (2) long and short-term perspectives on policy change; and (3) norms and interests.
Description
Staff publications
Keywords
NGOs , Policy analysis , Policy process , Sexuality education , Health educations , Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Social sciences::Sociology
Citation
Shiffman, J., Kunnuji, M., Shawar, Y. R., & Robinson, R. S. (2018). International norms and the politics of sexuality education in Nigeria. Globalization and health, 14(1), 63.