Sam Meerhoff, “Dubbel Queer: Seksuele diversiteit in het onderwijs”
Wednesday, 15 October 2014, 20:00-22:00 CET
Universiteitsbibliotheek
Doelenzaal
Singel 425
1012 WP
Amsterdam
Since last year, all schools in the Netherlands have been required to provide education on sexual diversity. For his master’s thesis, Meerhoff examined how this policy is implemented in practice. In this lecture, he presents his data and conclusions based on classroom observations, interviews with teachers, and textual analyses of educational materials. His research shows that sexual diversity is only minimally integrated into the curriculum, as it is often accompanied by various forms of discomfort. As a result, sexual diversity remains “queer” in both senses of the word.
Sinds afgelopen jaar zijn alle scholen in Nederland verplicht om onderwijs aan te bieden over seksuele diversiteit. Voor zijn masterscriptie onderzocht Meerhoff hoe dit beleid in de praktijk gestalte krijgt. In deze lezing presenteert hij zijn data en conclusies op basis van lesobservaties, interviews met docenten en tekstanalyses van lesmateriaal. Zijn onderzoek toont aan dat seksuele diversiteit slechts beperkt is geïntegreerd in het onderwijsaanbod, omdat het gepaard gaat met allerlei vormen van ongemak; seksuele diversiteit blijft zodoende ‘queer’ in de dubbele betekenis van het woord.
Sam Meerhoff (MSc in Sociologie) heeft een speciale interesse in beleid met betrekking tot seksualiteit, gender en ras. In het bijzonder gaat zijn aandacht uit naar onderwijs over seksuele diversiteit. Meerhoff is leraar maatschappijleer en momenteel actief als co-docent van ‘Sociology of Sexuality’ op de Universiteit van Amsterdam. Daarnaast is hij een freelance coach, adviseur en docent op het gebied van seksuele vorming.
Sam Meerhoff is a dedicated educator and sociologist with an interest in policies related to sexuality, gender, and race, particularly in the realm of sexual diversity education. With a Master’s degree in Sociology, Meerhoff explores how social systems, institutions, and educational practices can better address and support diverse identities. As a social studies teacher, he integrates these themes into his classroom, encouraging critical engagement with complex societal issues. Additionally, he co-lectures the “Sociology of Sexuality” course at the University of Amsterdam (UvA), where he guides students through the sociological analysis of sexual norms, behaviors, and policies.
Beyond his academic work, Meerhoff is an active freelance coach, advisor, and educator, specializing in the design and delivery of sexual education programs tailored to various communities. His multidisciplinary approach combines practical application with sociological theory, creating inclusive spaces for dialogue about sexual health, rights, and diversity. Through his teaching and freelance work, Meerhoff emphasizes the importance of fostering understanding and addressing systemic inequities, making him a significant contributor to discussions on identity, education, and social justice.