Elder Interview

Subject: Health and Social Care

Number of words/pages: 562 words/2 pages

Topics: Sexual Education, Abortion, Healthcare

This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community

Table of contents

Introduction

The interview was as informative as it was interesting. While I was able to learn and appreciate cultural and religious thoughts on matters relating to the beliefs and reservations. From the interview, it was observed that discussions on sexuality were more sensitive and were not mentioned unless it was necessary. While good morals were highly regarded both in the society and according to culture and religion, perhaps sexuality issues were at the centre of the definition of morality. It was argued that dating and relationships had clear guidelines and any perceived overreach, including engaging in sexual behaviours before marriage was judged so harshly. Back then, there were specific ages when one was expected to accomplish various stages of life including dating, which referred as courtship, marriage and even parenting. Accordingly, unless one is legally married, a man and a woman were not to cohabit as this was treated as both against the culture and religion and was considered immoral. Furthermore, the society had a strict stance against acts of abortions, they even considered birth control as a form of abortion. Also, worth mentioning is their take on same sex relationships or marriage: despicable.

However, even with the sensitivity associated with discussions on sexuality at the time, my respondent agrees that, perhaps, proper education around the topic could help in making people understand themselves better. He admitted there was a need to open up more especially on sexual education as the lack of it has often led to significant life mistakes. Personally, learning about sex started at school, then through peers and from the people around me including my grandparents. However, my parents we always silent about it, and they would prefer that my grandparents handle the topic. That made me feel shy talking to my parents about sexuality and kept most of the questions to myself. However, I would prefer they were more open with me.

Experience and Reflections

The interview was not very easy to start. While growing up, topics on sexuality were not openly discussed, and whenever they arose, some sense of tension could be felt. However, with time we both got more comfortable with each other and from the conversation, I was able to get my interviewees perspectives. Nonetheless, the choice of words during the interview some still conservative with the interviewee opting that I derive my own conclusions rather that we have a straight talk. I noticed that certain words were rarely mentioned and had been replaced with phrases, perhaps, sanitise them as they are considered shameful and mostly gross.

I was able to follow on the gradual change in how the society views sexuality which, according to my respondent was not a good thing, but has been fascinated by contemporary changes such as busy lifestyles, available laws and increased cross cultural interactions. In other words, the interviewee expressed dissatisfaction with the current trends among the younger generation terming them as “careless” when it comes to matters of their sexuality. Even with observed differences and misgivings on sexuality in today’s society, it is especially interesting to notice that my respondent appreciated most of the development made especially in sexual education.

1. Kirby, D. (2001). Emerging Answers: Research Findings on Programs to Reduce Teen Pregnancy. National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.

2. Klein, J., & Adolescence, C. o. (2005). Adolescent pregnancy: current trends and issues. Pediatrics, 116(1), 281-286.

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