Abstract
This chapter presents a pedagogical proposal for a contemporary Spanish literature lesson in which students work on key social-emotional skills while carrying out textual analysis. Taking selected excerpts from Montero's Crónica del desamor and Etxebarria's Amor, curiosidad, prozac, y dudas, the chapter will capitalize on women's writing's potential to educate students on gender-based violence and raise awareness of the importance of sexuality education as a preventative measure. The proposed text-based discussions raise key issues of comprehensive sexuality education and give students the ability to reflect on what constitutes a healthy relationship and how to identify signs of an unhealthy relationship.
TopBackground
Gender-based violence and sexism are predominant themes in both Crónica del desamor and Amor, curiosidad, prozac y dudas. These disproportionately affect women and girls and include violations against fundamental rights such as domestic and sexual violence, lack of access to education and reproductive freedom. Indeed, recent digital movements such as the #Me Too campaign continue to bring to the forefront and denounce the prevalence of gender-based domestic and sexual violence. According to global figures, 27% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from their partner. These figures also estimate that these violent patterns start early, with 24% of girls and young women aged 15-19 and 26% of women aged 19-24 having suffered violence at least once since the age of 15 (Sardinha et al., 2022). As universities discuss ways to take their commitment to EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion) further, the European Expert Group on Sexuality Education (2016) has recommended that gender-based violence be prevented through a quality sexuality education that also comprehends teaching about the emotional, social and cultural factors of healthy human relationships (UNESCO, 2018).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Spanish Transition: As Franco grew older, some of the regimen’s prohibitions progressively relaxed, and the nation moved towards democracy after his passing. The process commenced with the political elites left over from the Franco regime’s attempt to reform the institutions of the dictatorship through existing legal means.
Textual Analysis: A method used to examine and interpret texts by analysing their content, style, structure, purpose, and underlying meanings.
CSE: Comprehensive Sexuality Education. It consists of accurate, age-appropriate education that children and adolescents have the right to receive in order to learn about sexuality and their sexual and reproductive health, which is key for their health and survival.
Gender Equality: A situation in which gender has no bearing on who is able to obtain certain opportunities or rights.
Franco Regime: Spain was controlled by general and dictator Francisco Franco (1892–1975) from 1939 until his passing. He came to power during the terrible Spanish Civil War when his Nationalist forces toppled the democratically elected Second Republic with the assistance of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. Taking on the moniker “El Caudillo” (The Leader), Franco suppressed the language and culture of the Basque and Catalan areas of Spain, persecuted political opponents, condemned the media, and exercised total authority over the nation.
EDI: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. It ensures fair treatment and opportunity for all, with the objective of eliminating prejudice and discrimination due to an individual group’s character traits.
Gender-based Violence: Any kind of violence committed against an individual or group of individuals due to their real or perceived gender, sex, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity.
Healthy Relationship: A relationship in which there isn't any power disparity. Couples share decision-making authority, respect one another's independence, and are free to act independently without fear of reprisal or vengeance.
Socio-Emotional Skills: Social and emotional intelligence is crucial in interpersonal relationships. Socio-emotional skills support us in feeling empathy, forming wholesome connections, and controlling our emotions.