SEX, SELF AND SOCIETY: THE SOCIAL CONTEXT OF SEXUALITY contains 60 edited articles divided into 15 chapters covering a range of issues dealing with human sexuality. Focusing on sexuality as both process and as a social institution, the book also covers contemporary issues such as abortion and sexually transmitted diseases.

This 1985 book studies the relation between the individual and collective processes, which is central to the social sciences.

In this broad-ranging introduction to the study of sexuality, Gargi Bhattacharyya guides students through the key theoretical debates in the area from the early history of sexology, through Foucault's technologies of self to Judith Butler on the performance of identity. Bhattacharyya shows how these theoretical positions apply to sexuality as it is experienced in contemporary society, and covers key topics such as: * the ideology of heterosexuality * sex and the state * sex, race and 'the exotic' * age and sexuality * sex education and pornography. The book argues that the study of sexuality is an essential part of broader debates on gender, race, citizenship and community. Topical and original, it provides a systematic overview of theory combined with up-to-the minute discussion of social and race issues. It gives students a lucid map of the terrain, and an exciting starting point for their own investigations.

Morality is not declining in the modern world. Instead, a new morality is replacing the previous one. Centered on individual self-fulfillment, and linked to administrative government, it permits things the old morality forbid, like sex for pleasure, but forbids things the old morality allowed, like intolerance and equality of opportunity.

This text addresses contemporary society in an immediate and thought-provoking manner and will be a timely and topical introduction to the dynamic and critical dimensions of sociology. It adopts a broad social science approach which reflects both the authors' competencies and also the widening and overlaying boundaries of the social sciences. Starting with the problem-oriented agenda of the social sciences, it explores the tensions between structure, agency and process via the idea of a structure-bound and yet creative and participatory self.

In 'Sex = Love, And Its Place in a Free Society', Edward Carpenter argues that sex must be seen as a sacred and natural aspect of life, rather than something dirty or shameful. He believes that a free society, where people are proud of their bodies and their lives, is necessary for this transformation. Carpenter's ideas were revolutionary for his time and challenged the traditional Victorian values of his society. The essay still resonates today, inspiring people to embrace a healthier, more positive view of sexuality and its role in human relationships.

In a society where sexualized media has become background noise, we are frequently discouraged from frank and open discussions about sex and offered few tools for understanding sexual behaviors and sexualities that are perceived as being out of the norm. This book encourages readers to establish new ways of thinking about stigmatized peoples and behaviors, and to think critically about gender, sex, sexuality and sex crimes. Sexual Deviance and Society uses sociological theories of crime, deviance, gender and sexuality to construct a framework for understanding sexual deviance. This book is divided into four units: Unit I, Sociology of Deviance and Sexuality, lays the foundation for understanding sex and sexuality through sociological frameworks of deviance. Unit II, Sexual Deviance, provides an in depth dialogue to its readers about the sociological constructions of sexual deviance with a critical focus on contemporary and historical conceptualizations. Unit III, Deviant Sexual Acts, explores a variety of deviant sexual acts in detail, including sex in public, fetishes, and sex work. Unit IV, Sex Crimes and Criminals, examines rape and sexual assault, sex crimes against children, and societal responses to sex offenders and their treatment within the criminal justice system. Utilizing an integrative approach that creates a dialogue between the subjects of gender, criminology and deviance, this book is a key resource for students interested in crime and deviance, gender and sexuality, and the sociology of deviance.

Human Sexuality: Self, Society, and Culture is a fully integrated learning system which encourages students to think critically and supports students through their journey towards greater self-awareness. It is accompanied by Learnsmart, the groundbreaking online adaptive learning diagnostic tool that provides an individualized learning environment to help students identify what they know, and more importantly, what they don’t know—helping them become active participants as they learn to appreciate all aspects of human sexuality. With its positive, thought-provoking appraisal of the human sexual experience, Human Sexuality: Self, Society, and Culture emphasizes the need to think critically about the contexts that shape sexuality—as well as highlights the role of sexuality in our community, culture, and society. Gil Herdt and Nicole Polen create an environment where students can feel free to explore their self-awareness while inspiring a lifelong appreciation for their sexual well-being. Human Sexuality: Self, Society, and Culture gives students the tools they need to embrace the entire human sexual experience with an emphasis on current and engaging research and strong coverage of diversity.