Investigating Young People's Sexual Cultures

This book examines ways of developing research on young peoples sexual cultures in the context of a media-saturated and technology-focused contemporary culture, an area of study that remains relatively unexplored despite heightened concern about young people, sex and culture. Unlike the widespread sensationalist reporting about the pornification of young peoples lives and the policy documents which have emerged on sexualization, the book foregrounds the need for a critical approach which recognizes the complexity of culture and is able to unpack what is at stake in the construction of particular views and practices. It emphasizes how concerns about harm and risk, however well-intentioned, can work against young peoples interests and argues that education will only be effective if it engages with young people and is based on a commitment to young peoples rights and to the broader notion of sexual rights. Drawing together key researchers in the area the book examines health policy, sex and relationships education, sex abuse therapy, television production, sport, internet use, and the production and consumption of commercial goods and media. This book will be of interest to the many academics and groups who are concerned with young peoples sexual cultures and their place within society. This book was originally published as a special issue of Sex Education.