Sex Matters
The Sexuality and Society Reader
Fifth Edition
18 January 2019
A BLEND OF EMPIRICAL WORK AND MORE PERSONALISED ACCOUNTS
Sex Matters is unique in offering a combination of research pieces, sociologically informed popular pieces and personal narratives—many of which were written specifically for the volume. A mix of longer in-depth pieces and shorter features on specialised topics add variety and breadth.
A SEXUALITIES READER WITH A SEX-POSITIVE PERSPECTIVE
The book challenges the cultural stigmatisation and marginalisation of some sexual behaviours and the valorisation of others. For the Sex Matters editors, part of sex positivity means, for example, promoting the pursuit of sexual pleasure, not centering sex education around danger and disease.
A FOCUS ON BOTH SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION AND SOCIAL CONTROL
The readings highlight the dual themes of social construction and social control. As the readings make clear, while society constructs our understanding of sexuality and influences our attitudes and behaviours, certain members of society and certain institutions have more power to define a society’s sexual agenda than others.
INTERVIEWS WITH SEX RESEARCHERS ENHANCE EMPIRICAL FOCUS
“Spotlight on Research” features at the beginning of every chapter profile the work of cutting-edge sex researchers. Nearly a third are new to the Fifth Edition.
Sex Matters is unique in offering a combination of research pieces, sociologically informed popular pieces and personal narratives—many of which were written specifically for the volume. A mix of longer in-depth pieces and shorter features on specialised topics add variety and breadth.
A SEXUALITIES READER WITH A SEX-POSITIVE PERSPECTIVE
The book challenges the cultural stigmatisation and marginalisation of some sexual behaviours and the valorisation of others. For the Sex Matters editors, part of sex positivity means, for example, promoting the pursuit of sexual pleasure, not centering sex education around danger and disease.
A FOCUS ON BOTH SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION AND SOCIAL CONTROL
The readings highlight the dual themes of social construction and social control. As the readings make clear, while society constructs our understanding of sexuality and influences our attitudes and behaviours, certain members of society and certain institutions have more power to define a society’s sexual agenda than others.
INTERVIEWS WITH SEX RESEARCHERS ENHANCE EMPIRICAL FOCUS
“Spotlight on Research” features at the beginning of every chapter profile the work of cutting-edge sex researchers. Nearly a third are new to the Fifth Edition.
