Sex, Society, and Culture: The Quest for Pleasure, Equity, and Freedom in a Complex World

Sex, Society, and Culture: The Quest for Pleasure, Equity, and Freedom in a Complex World is designed to provide students with a collection of readings that reflect a global perspective and diverse voices on topics related to the sociological aspects of sex, especially those that are not typically addressed within the mainstream. Students are encouraged to critically analyze the articles, reflect on their own viewpoints, and expand their understanding of human sexuality.

The opening unit provides readers with a historical glimpse of how sex is viewed in society, with focus on ancient, sex-positive Sumerian texts; a history of orgasm; second-wave feminism; and female masturbation. Unit II examines how sex functions both physiologically and relationally, including topics such as human sexual development, desire, how individuals meet and connect, otherness, and more. In Unit III, students read works related to reproductive freedom. They learn about the biological act of menstruation, how and why individuals track their cycles, and various reflections and perspectives on birth and parenthood. Unit IV uses cutting-edge research to examine the little-known mechanisms of traumatic memory as it relates to sexual violence and abuse. It then applies this information to issues in sexuality that some consider liberation and others exploitation, including sex work. The final unit features articles that explore how individuals can expand and infuse their lives with sexuality.

A diverse, progressive, and inclusive anthology, Sex, Society, and Culture is an ideal text for courses in the sociology of sex.