Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The Condom as “Permission slip”: Synecdoche and Contestation in New York City HIV/AIDS Education Policy Discourse

  • Published:
Sexuality Research and Social Policy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This article examines the role of the condom in policy discourse about HIV/AIDS education in New York City in the early 1990s. Analysis of formal statements of policymakers and other actors engaged in this formative debate shows that abstinence advocates used the discursive mechanism of synecdoche to capture the terms of argumentation and advance their policy agenda. They viewed condoms as inappropriately granted “permission slips” for sexual activity and focused their argumentation on one aspect of HIV/AIDS preventive measures, a plan to make condoms available to the city’s high school students. Proponents of comprehensive HIV/AIDS education attempted to counter the condom synecdoche by reasserting the larger curriculum and falsifying the synecdoche’s logical basis. This analysis illuminates the dynamics of New York City’s HIV/AIDS education policy discourse, showing how it not only made the resolution of underlying value differences difficult but also reduced the effectiveness of HIV prevention and sex education policy making. The case study also provides insights to achieve greater discursive parity and the development of a more durable policy consensus.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. The relationship between metonymy and synecdoche has been the subject of disagreement: some view synecdoche as distinct from metonymy while others view it as a particular type of metonymy, and nearly all suggest that the two can “shade into one another” and make distinction difficult (Burke 1969: 503; Nerlich and Clarke 1999). Following Lakoff and Johnson, I view synecdoche as a “special case” of metonymy because metonymy can be more generally thought of as exhibiting a referential relationship that “allows us to use one entity to stand for another” but utilize the term synecdoche to refer precisely to that type which associates the part with the whole (2003: 36).

  2. For an example of contestation of synecdoche, see Moore 2009. However, Moore examined the use of irony as a mode of contesting synecdoche, rather than a more direct example as this article provides.

  3. Among new HIV diagnoses in the USA, those 13–29 years of age make up approximately one in five; in New York City, this rate is approximately one in three. Numbers calculated using 2009 data from United States Centers for Disease Control (2010) and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (2010).

References

  • Abelson, G. (1992). [Affidavit, Alfonso v. Fernandez 584 N.Y.S. 2d 406]. Office of Counsel Papers (Box 55). Municipal Archives, New York.

  • Adams, G. (1997). Abortion: evidence of an issue evolution. American Journal of Political Science, 41(3), 718–737.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • AIDS Advisory Council. (1990, June 14). [Memorandum to J. Fernandez]. Luis O. Reyes Papers (Box 38). Municipal Archives, New York.

  • Alberti, P. M., Jones, E., & Silk, S. (2010). NYC Sex Education Pilot Program: Process Evaluation Results. Available from: http://www.nyclu.org/files/releases/Bronx_pilot_evaluation_05.27.10.pdf

  • Alcorn, J.A., & The New York Bible Society. (1991). Written testimony. Luis O. Reyes Papers (Box 39). Municipal Archives, New York, NY.

  • Alfonso v. Fernandez, 584 N.Y.S. 2 d 406 (1992).

  • Alfonso v. Fernandez, 606 N.Y.S. 2 d 259 (1993).

  • Berger, J. (1990). Condom plan for schools draws criticism. The New York Times, p. B1.

  • Bleakey, A., Hennessey, M., & Fishbein, M. (2010). Predicting preferences for types of sex education in US schools. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 7(1), 50–57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bloodworth Rowe, J. (2008). Culture, progress and the media: the shad as synecdoche in environmental news coverage. Environmental Communication, 2(3), 362–378.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bloomfield, D. (1990). Parental Consent For Condom Distribution Plan. [Memorandum]. Irene I. Impellizzeri Papers (Box 19, Folder 3). Municipal Archives, New York, NY.

  • Boffey, P. (1987). U.S. AIDS guide for schools stresses abstinence. The New York Times, p. B1.

  • Bravmann, S. (1991). (Almost) nothing queer here: comment on Joshua Gamson’s ‘Rubber Wars’. Journal of the History of Sexuality, 2(1), 98–102.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burke, K. (1969). A grammar of motives. Berkeley: University of California Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carrera, M., & The Children’s Aid Society of New York. (1991). Written testimony. Luis O. Reyes Papers (Box 39). Municipal Archives, New York, NY.

  • Catholic League. (2011). More insane sex ed for NYC. Available from: http://www.catholicleague.org/more-insane-sex-ed-for-nyc-2/.

  • City of New York Board of Education. (1990). Journal of the Board of Education of the City of New York. Brooklyn: Wm. C. Bryant & Co.

    Google Scholar 

  • City of New York Board of Education. (1991). Journal of the Board of Education of the City of New York. Brooklyn: Wm. C. Bryant & Co.

    Google Scholar 

  • City of New York Board of Education. (1995). Journal of the Board of Education of the City of New York. Brooklyn: Wm. C. Bryant & Co.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clymer, J. (2002). U.S. revises sex information, and a fight goes on. The New York Times, p. A17.

  • Cohall, A. T. (1991). Written testimony. Luis O. Reyes Papers (Box 39). Municipal Archives, New York

  • diMauro, D., & Joffe, C. (2007). The religious right and the reshaping of sexual policy: an examination of reproductive rights and sexuality education. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 4(1), 67–92.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dryfoos, B. (1991). Press release. Luis O. Reyes Papers (Box 39). Municipal Archives, New York

  • Edelman, M. (1985). The symbolic uses of politics (2nd ed.). Champaign: University of Illinois Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernandez, J. (1990). [Letter to Bronx High School Superintendent]. Irene I. Impellizzeri Papers (Box 19, Folder 1). Municipal Archives, New York.

  • Fernandez, J. (1991a). Chancellor’s Expanded HIV/AIDS Education Program Including Condom Availability: final draft. Office of Counsel Papers (Box 55). Municipal Archives, New York

  • Fernandez, J. (1991b). [Memorandum to Members of the Board of Education]. Luis O. Reyes Papers (Box 38). Municipal Archives, New York.

  • Fields, J. (2008). Risky lessons: sex education and social inequality. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gamson, J. (1990). Rubber wars: struggles over the condom in the United States. Journal of the History of Sexuality, 1(2), 262–282.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Griffith, E. (1991). Written testimony. Luis O. Reyes Papers (Box 39). Municipal Archives, New York.

  • Guttmacher, S., & Public Health Association of New York City. (1991, January 16). Written testimony. Luis O. Reyes Papers (Box 39). Municipal Archives, New York.

  • Guttmacher, S., Lieberman, L., Ward, D., Radosh, A., Rafferty, Y., & Freudenberg, N. (1995). Parents’ attitudes and beliefs about HIV/AIDS prevention with condom availability in New York City public high schools. Journal of School Health, 65(3), 101–107.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hamburg, M. (1991). [Affidavit, Alfonso v. Fernandez 584 N.Y.S. 2 d 406.] Office of Counsel Papers (Box 55). Municipal Archives, New York.

  • Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation (2002). Sex education in the U.S.: policy and politics. Kaiser Family Foundation, Menlo Park

  • Irvine, J. (2004). Talk about sex: the battles over sex education in the United States. Berkeley: University of California Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R., & Biddlecom, A. (2011). The more things change …: the relative importance of the internet as a source of contraceptive information for teens. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 8(1), 27–37.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kantor, L., Santelli, J., Teitler, J., & Balmer, R. (2008). Abstinence-only policies and programs: an overview. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 5(3), 6–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Katz, C. (2011). Pols push abstinence-based sex ed for NYC kids: updated with Mayor Bloomberg comments. New York Daily News Blogs. Available from: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2011/10/pols-push-abstinence-based-sex-ed-for-nyc-kids-updated-with-mayor-bloomberg-co.

  • Kirby, D. (2008). The impact of abstinence and comprehensive sex and STD/HIV education programs on adolescent sexual behavior. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 5(3), 18–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lakoff, G. (2009). The political mind: a cognitive scientist’s guide to your brain and its politics. New York: Penguin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. (2003). Metaphors we live by. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lautenberg, F. (2011). Press release: Sen. Lautenberg & Rep. Lee intro bill to halt federal funding for abstinence-only education. Available from: http://lautenberg.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=331891.

  • Levine, D. (2011). Using technology, new media, and mobile for sexual and reproductive health. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 8(1), 18–26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lin, A., & Santelli, J. (2008). The accuracy of condom information in three selected abstinence-only education curricula. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 5(3), 56–69.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luker, K. (2006). When sex goes to school: warring views on sex—and sex education—since the sixties. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • McManus H.F., & Archdiocese of New York. (1991). Written testimony. Luis O. Reyes Papers (Box 39). Municipal Archives, New York.

  • Moore, M. (1993). Constructing irreconcilable conflict: the function of synecdoche in the spotted owl controversy. Communication Monographs, 60, 258–274.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moore, M. (1994). Life, liberty, and the handgun: the function of synecdoche in the Brady Bill debate. Communication Quarterly, 42(4), 434–447.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moore, M. (2009). The Union of Concerned Scientists on the uncertainty of climate change: a study of synecdochic form. Environmental Communication, 3(2), 191–205.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moran, J. (2000). Teaching sex: the shaping of adolescence in the 20th century. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Myers, W.A. (1991). Written testimony. Luis O. Reyes Papers (Box 39). Municipal Archives, New York.

  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. (2011). ‘Abstinence-only programs: ideology over science’. Available from: http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/media/fact-sheets/sex-education-abstinence-only-programs.pdf.

  • NARAL Pro-Choice America New York Foundation. (2010). ‘If you expect us to make healthy decisions we need sex ed.’: sexuality education in the New York City public school system. Available from: http://www.prochoiceny.org/assets/files/sexedreport.pdf.

  • National Public Radio, Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, & Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government. (2003). Sex education in America poll. Available from: http://www.kff.org/newsmedia/upload/Sex-Education-in-America-Summary.pdf.

  • Nerlich, B., & Clarke, D. (1999). Synecdoche as a cognitive and communicative strategy. In A. Blank & P. Koch (Eds.), Historical semantics and cognition (pp. 197–214). Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter.

    Google Scholar 

  • New York City Department of Education. (2005). HIV/AIDS curriculum: a supplement to a comprehensive health curriculum. Available from: http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/FitnessandHealth/StandardsCurriculum/HIVAIDScurriculum

  • New York City Department of Education. (2011). Sex Education in New York City Schools. Available from: http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/FitnessandHealth/StandardsCurriculum/sexeducation.htm.

  • New York City Department of Health. (1990). Fact sheet: adolescent sexuality in New York City: HIV, STDs and pregnancy. Luis O. Reyes Papers (Box 38). Municipal Archives, New York.

  • New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. (2010). New York City HIV/AIDS annual surveillance statistics, 2009. Available from: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/ah/hivtables.shtml

  • New York goes first; High schools hand out condoms. (1991). The New York Times, 1 December, p. D6.

  • Newman, M. (1995a). Faction of 4 swings vote on sex issue. The New York Times, p. B3.

  • Newman, M. (1995b, December 21). Board prohibits condom lessons in class. The New York Times, p. B3.

  • NYC Parents’ Choice Coalition. (2011). Get informed: how bad is it? Available from: http://nycparentschoice.org/get-informed/how-bad-is-it.

  • Peterson, R., & Gay Men’s Health Crisis. (1991). Written testimony. Luis O. Reyes Papers (Box 39). Municipal Archives, New York.

  • Rabin, R. C. (2010). New spending for a wider range of sex education. The New York Times. 11 May. Available from: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/11/health/policy/11land.html.

  • Raymond, M., Bogdanovich, L., Brahmi, D., Cardinal, L., & Fager, L. (2008). State refusal of federal funding for abstinence-only programs. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 5(3), 44–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rochefort D.A., & Cobb, R.W. (1994a). Problem definition: an emerging perspective. In D. A. Rochefort and R.W. Cobb (Eds.), The politics of problem definition: shaping the policy agenda (pp. 1-31). Armonk: M.E. Sharpe.

  • Rochefort D.A., & Cobb, R.W. (1994b). Instrumental versus expressive definitions of AIDS policymaking. In D. A. Rochefort and R.W. Cobb (Eds.), The politics of problem definition: shaping the policy agenda (pp. 159-181). Armonk: M.E. Sharpe.

  • Rogers, D. (1991). [Letter to Carl McCall]. Luis O. Reyes Papers (Box 39). Municipal Archives, New York, NY.

  • Sanger, A. C., & Planned Parenthood of New York City. (1991). Written testimony Luis O. Reyes Papers (Box 39). Municipal Archives, New York, NY.

  • Schecter, S. (1985). [Memorandum to High School Superintendents and High School Principals]. Luis O. Reyes Papers (Box 39). Municipal Archives, New York.

  • Schön, D., & Rein, M. (1994). Frame reflection: toward the resolution of intractable policy controversies. New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schram, S., & Soss, J. (2001). Success stories: welfare reform, policy discourse, and the politics of research. Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 577, 49–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (2010a). In brief: personal Responsibility Education Program. Available from: http://www.siecus.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.ViewPage&PageID=1191.

  • Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (2010b). State-by-state decisions: the Personal Responsibility Education Program & Title V abstinence-only program. Available from: http://www.siecus.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Feature.showFeature&FeatureID=1934.

  • Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (2011a). State profile: New York. Available from: http://www.siecus.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.ViewPage&PageID=1315.

  • Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (2011b). End funding for the failed Title V abstinence-only-until-marriage program; support comprehensive sex education. Available from: http://www.siecus.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.ViewPage&PageID=1271.

  • Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (2011c). Breaking the promise: the politics of domestic HIV prevention. Available from: http://www.siecus.org/_data/global/images/breakingthepromise.pdf.

  • Sobol, T. (1990). [Memorandum to Joseph Fernandez]. Luis O. Reyes Papers (Box 39). Municipal Archives, New York.

  • Steinhauer, J. (2011, April 8). Late clash on abortion shows conservatives’ sway. The New York Times, 8 April. Available from: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/09/us/politics/09rider.html.

  • Stone, D. (2002). Policy paradox: the art of political decision making (Revth ed.). New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stringer, S. (2003). Failing grade: health education in NYC schools: an analysis of K-8 health education in New York City’s public school system. Available from: http://assembly.state.ny.us/member_files/067/20030622/index.html.

  • The Guttmacher Institute. (2011). State policies in brief: sex and HIV education. New York. Available from: www.guttmacher.org/pubs/spib_SE.pdf.

  • United States Centers for Disease Control (2010). HIV surveillance report: diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS in the United States and dependent areas, 2009. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/basic.htm#hivaidsage.

  • Wattleton, F., & Planned Parenthood Federation of America. (1991). Written testimony. Luis O. Reyes Papers (Box 39). Municipal Archives, New York.

  • White House Office of National AIDS Policy. (2010). National HIV/AIDS strategy for the United States. Available from: http://whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/NHAS.pdf.

  • Yanow, D. (2000). Conducting interpretive policy analysis. Thousand Oaks: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yanow, D. (2003). Constructing “race” and “ethnicity” in America: category making in public policy and administration. Armonk: M.E. Sharpe.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank the staff of the New York City Municipal Archive and the City Hall Library, in particular David Ment and Tobi Adler, who kindly facilitated access to documents. Final revision of this article was supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (award number P20MD003942). The content is solely the responsibility of the author and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities or the National Institutes of Health.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Political Science, California State University Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA, 90840-4605, USA

    Amy Cabrera Rasmussen

Authors
  1. Amy Cabrera Rasmussen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Amy Cabrera Rasmussen.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Rasmussen, A.C. The Condom as “Permission slip”: Synecdoche and Contestation in New York City HIV/AIDS Education Policy Discourse. Sex Res Soc Policy 9, 293–305 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-012-0079-0

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-012-0079-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation