When sex goes to school: Parents’ conservative opposition to sexuality education

Abstract

Understanding the social-psychological mechanisms underlying parental attitudes toward school-based sexuality education is increasingly important in polarized societies. Guided by the Dual Process Motivational (DPM) model, the current research examined how right-wing authoritarianism (RWA), social dominance orientation (SDO), and religiosity relate to opposition to school-based sexuality education among Greek parents. Two studies were conducted with a combined sample of 643 parents (Study 1, 376 participants, M_age = 38.47, SD_age = 7.39; 336 female participants; Study 2, 267 participants, M_age = 44.91, SD_age = 6.77; 240 female respondents) residing in Greece. Data were analyzed using bivariate correlations, multiple regression, and bootstrapped moderation analysis. Results showed that both RWA and SDO were negatively associated with support for school-based sexuality education. Furthermore, higher religiosity intensified the negative relationship between RWA and attitudes toward sexuality education. These findings highlight how ideological and religious worldviews may shape parental opposition to sexuality education, offering new directions for research and policy development.