Some 12 years into the epidemic, with an effective preventive vaccine or therapy against HIV disease still to be found, this book reflects on the contributions of social and behavioural research to the development of interventions for prevention. After over a decade's work documenting HIV and AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour, social researchers have begun to focus more clearly on perceptions of sexual safety and risk, and the factors that contribute to these. The issues addressed by the book were examined during three major conferences in 1994: the annual conference of the British Sociological Association, the 2nd International Conference on the BioPsychoSocial Aspects of AIDS and the Xth International Conference on AIDS. The book brings together key papers presented at each of these conferences, documenting issues of focal concern to social researchers, policy makers and health educators in the mid-1990s.

In this important book, editor Michael Ross brings together the latest knowledge and research concerning the relationship between HIV and AIDS and sexual functioning. HIV/AIDS and Sexuality explores the experiences of being HIV-infected and the impact of infection on an individual's sexuality. It describes differences that may be associated with individuals who are infected or concerned about infection, and it provides new in-depth analyses of the effect of HIV on sexuality and sexual risks. The book provides clinical perspectives on sexual problems associated with HIV infection as well as some treatment approaches. Contributing authors represent the United States, Australia, and Europe and discuss heterosexual men and women, gay men, lesbians, and injecting drug users. This diversity provides a more complete picture of the experiences of people with HIV in terms of explicit and implicit sexuality. Chapters include cross-sectional and cohort study designs as well as qualitative, quantitative, and clinical approaches. Some of the topics explored are: the centrality of sexuality to equality of life and identity and the impact of HIV on sexuality in gay-identified men the psychological impact of making changes in sexual behavior on gay men with HIV infection risk behaviors in seropositive and seronegative women a study of a cohort of HIV-infected women associated with the military sexual addiction in gay men and its association with HIV risks overt and subtle communications processes that occur between health care providers and clients about sexuality and HIV stages of change in safer sexual practices in a cohort of gay men personality variables associated with risk and infection in both homosexual and heterosexual menHIV/AIDS and Sexuality opens up the area of sexuality in people living with HIV and focuses much-needed attention on the issues involved in sexual expression, HIV transmission risk, and living with HIV infection. This book is an illuminating exploration into the subject that helps professionals better understand their clients and thus provide more compassionate and effective care.

Queer by Choice enters the controversial debate of sexual identity by examining choice in gay men and lesbian sexual identity. Drawing on interviews with a sample of 72 people, Whisman analyzes if, and to what extent, choice played a role in determining identity. Contributing factors such as race, class, religion, and educational level are considered. The results of the study are stimulating and often surprising, and contribute to the escalating debates over sexual identity as lesbians and gays continue to soldier for rights and representation.

This book argues that structuralism makes itself useful when it engages with the non-Oedipal logics of femininity and psychosis. Building from the psychoanalytic belief that norms repress unconscious desire while structures open onto the creative resources of the symbolic, Sex for Structuralists looks to key texts in myth, trauma, and unconscious fantasy by Sigmund Freud, Jacques Lacan, and Claude Levi-Strauss. It also examines innovative writings by contemporary Lacanian thinkers in order to discover what becomes of structuralism when the ground upon which it ostensibly stands (namely, that of the zero symbol or the incest prohibition) drops out from under it.

Queer by Choice enters the controversial debate of sexual identity by examining choice in gay men and lesbian sexual identity. Drawing on interviews with a sample of 72 people, Whisman analyzes if, and to what extent, choice played a role in determining identity. Contributing factors such as race, class, religion, and educational level are considered. The results of the study are stimulating and often surprising, and contribute to the escalating debates over sexual identity as lesbians and gays continue to soldier for rights and representation.

This text provides a feminist overview of the development of both the mainstream and the feminist variant of the survey as a means of investigating sexual attitude and behaviour. It examines the origins and development of the sex survey and focuses on the sex survey as a research means for a number of reasons: firstly, sex surveys have been an important means of influencing popular opinion about sexual "norms" and conventions. Secondly, this approach is of great importance in ideas about "science" and generalisability and validity. Thirdly, changes and developments in the form and status of the survey from the 1930s through the post-war period are considerably under-researched, especially from a feminist point of view. The book is divided into three sections. Section One examines the creation of Mass-Observation and the methodological ideology which lead to the world's first random national sample survey "Little Kinsey". Section Two provides a feminist overview of the work of Mass-Observation and its relationship to mainstream social science. Section Three provides an in-depth discussion of the structure and argument of "Little Kinsey", and the common-sense ideas or "sexual theory"

How does the sexual identity that anthropologists have in their "home" society affect the kind of sexuality they are allowed to express in other cultures? "Taboo" looks at the ethnographer and sexuality in anthropological fieldwork and considers the many roles that sexuality plays in the anthropological production of knowledge and texts.
"Taboo" looks at how the anthropologist's sexuality is perceived by the people with whom he or she does research. It looks at the frequency of sexual violence and intimidation in the field and why its existence is virtually unmentioned in anthropology. Other issues, including same-sex relationships, seduction and eroticism in the field, and traditional sex roles, are confronted. This lively book explores the influence this tabooed topic has had on the entire practice and production of anthropology. Both the seasoned anthropologist and those about to undertake fieldwork will find that "Taboo" contains engrossing articles on the types of personal and professional experiences which make up sexual life in the field.

Sexuality and sexual politics have been much debated over the last 20 years and feminists, in particular, have been responsible for politicising the debate, pointing out how something which is usually regarded as private and personal is, in fact, a public and political issue. This text illustrates the diversity and excitement of debates about sexuality in women's studies and feminism today, and points to new paths for feminist analysis, thinking and action. In particular, heterosexuality can no longer be taken for granted and must, along with other forms of sexuality, be explicitly addressed. The volume is divided into three sections: "Analysing (Hetero)sexuality" is concerned with exploring some of the complexities of the material aspects of sexual relations between men and women; "Media Discourses of Sexuality" contains analyses derived from women's magazines, television and newspapers; and "Practising Sexual Politics" focuses on the reflexive awareness of sexual politics in the framing of methodological issues in research.

Based on the findings of a research project conducted by the World Health Organisation, this book contains unpublished material on AIDS-related knowledge and sexual behaviour in countries in Africa, Asia and South America, including: Cote d'Ivoire; Kenya; Lesotho; Mauritius; Tanzania; Sri Lanka; Singapore; Thailand and Brazil. The book provides an in-depth comparative analysis of the findings from 16 key surveys in the original research programme, the aim of which was to identify baseline levels of sexual and other risk behaviours. The text is intended to be of use to a wide range of readers, including those working in health education, social and behavioural research, anthropology, social medicine and sexual behaviour research.

Based on the findings of a research project conducted by the World Health Organisation, this book contains unpublished material on AIDS-related knowledge and sexual behaviour in countries in Africa, Asia and South America, including: Cote d'Ivoire; Kenya; Lesotho; Mauritius; Tanzania; Sri Lanka; Singapore; Thailand; and Brazil. The book provides an in-depth comparative analysis of the findings from 16 key surveys in the original research programme, the aim of which was to identify baseline levels of sexual and other risk behaviours. The text is intended to be of use to a wide range of readers, including those working in health education, social and behavioural research, anthropology, social medicine and sexual behaviour research.

This text provides a feminist overview of the development of both the mainstream and the feminist variant of the survey as a means of investigating sexual attitude and behaviour. It examines the origins and development of the sex survey and focuses on the sex survey as a research means for a number of reasons: firstly, sex surveys have been an important means of influencing popular opinion about sexual "norms" and conventions. Secondly, this approach is of great importance in ideas about "science" and generalisability and validity. Thirdly, changes and developments in the form and status of the survey from the 1930s through the post-war period are considerably under-researched, especially from a feminist point of view. The book is divided into three sections. Section One examines the creation of Mass-Observation and the methodological ideology which lead to the world's first random national sample survey "Little Kinsey". Section Two provides a feminist overview of the work of Mass-Observation and its relationship to mainstream social science. Section Three provides an in-depth discussion of the structure and argument of "Little Kinsey", and the common-sense ideas or "sexual theory"

Taboo looks at the ethnographer and sexuality in anthropological fieldwork and considers the many roles that sexuality plays in the anthropological production of knowledge and texts. How does the sexual identity that anthropologists have in their "home" society affect the kind of sexuality they are allowed to express in other cultures? How is the anthropologists' sexuality perceived by the people with whom he or she does research? How common is sexual violence and intimidation in the field and why is its existence virtually unmentioned in anthropology? These are but a few of the questions to be confronted, exploring from differing perspectives the depth of the influence this tabooed topic has on the entire practice and production of anthropology.
A long-overdue text for all students and lecturers of anthropology, many post-fieldwork readers will find a resonance of issues they have previously faced (or tried to avoid) and those who are still to undertake fieldwork will find articles that refer to other kinds of personal and professional experience as well as providing invaluable preparations for coping in the field.

This work focuses specifically on the issues relating to the sexuality of people with learning disabilities. At root, these are ethical issues. Sex worries people in our culture and in the case of those we perceive as vulnerable, this can lead us to deny their sexuality.;The authors use a storytelling approach to challenge readers into thinking more about an area that is at times put to one side. They explore the rights of people with learning difficulties to be informed about sexuality, to form rleationships, to express their sexual nature and to found families.

eBook available with sample pages: 020342526X

Derek Duncan's timely study is the first book in English to examine constructions of male homosexuality in Italian literature. In admirably clear and elegant prose, Duncan analyzes texts ranging from the 1890s through the 1990s. He brings canonical authors like D'Annunzio and Pasolini together with under-appreciated writers like Comisso, and also looks at less conventionally literary genres. Duncan takes on the thorny theoretical issues surrounding questions of gay identity and also provides a sound historical context for his discussion of how Italian narrative sheds light on Italian homosexuality and on the broader issues attending contemporary sexuality, including complicating factors such as race. While the early texts considered were produced at a historical moment when 'homosexuality' as a culturally meaningful entity had yet to crystallize, recent autobiographies show the authors reflecting explicitly on questions of gay identity and what it means to be a homosexual male in present-day Italy. In charting the emergence of the homosexual in twentieth-century Italy, however, Duncan's focus is less on questions of identity than on the meaning attributed to sex between men in the broader cultural context. His book is a significant contribution to Italian literary criticism and to gender, gay, and cultural studies.

What can psychology teach us about sex? How do different bodies and brains respond sexually? How can we prevent people being stigmatised for their sexuality? The Psychology of Sex takes you on a tour through the different ways that psychologists have created and sustained certain understandings of sex and sexuality. Bearing in mind the subjective nature of sex, the book explores cultural concerns around sexualisation, pornography, and sex addiction, as well as drawing on research from sexual communities and the applied area of sex therapy. When so much of our relationship to sex happens in the mind, The Psychology of Sex shows us how important it is to understand where our ideas about sex come from.

This thought-provoking book examines the science behind human attractiveness-the ratios, proportions, and other factors that to a large extent dictate what we find "beautiful." It's said that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," but recent scientific research suggests that human attractiveness is much more objective than we once thought, deeply rooted in our biology and evolutionary history. For instance, facial symmetry is considered extremely attractive because it indicates good health and nutrition during the formative developmental years. This book explores these insights. Part I of The Biology of Beauty: The Science behind Human Attractiveness takes a closer look at what traits we find the most alluring and why. It discusses why attractiveness is important from an evolutionary standpoint and the advantages (and disadvantages) of being attractive. In addition to exploring these beauty "universals," it examines how beauty ideals can be shaped by factors such as culture, religion, and the media. Part II provides an in-depth analysis of individual features that contribute to attractiveness, offering scientific explanations for our preferences. The book also includes a collection of insightful sidebars that highlight beauty ideals in different parts of the world and at other times in history. Explores the high-interest and often controversial subject of beauty objectively, drawing on numerous scientific and psychological studies Demonstrates both the universal and variable aspects of beauty, helping readers to understand how ideals change over time and from culture to culture Examines the physical and psychological effects of living in a highly beauty-conscious society and highlights the impact of media on cultural ideals Features a unique two-part organization that offers readers a broad conceptual framework followed by a detailed analysis of particular features that contribute to attractiveness

Facilitated by developments in technologies, the non-consensual posting of sexually explicit images of someone else for revenge, entertainment or political motive - so-called revenge porn - has become a global phenomenon. This groundbreaking book argues that fundamental and recurring issues about how victims are violated can be understood in terms of gender and sexual dynamics and constructions, binary gender and sexual positioning and logics, and the use of sexual meanings. Using a discourse analytical approach the authors examine revenge pornography through the words of the perpetrators themselves and study the complex ways in which they invoke, and deploy, gender- and sexuality-based discourses to blame the victim. They explore strategies to curb the phenomenon of revenge porn, and by placing their research in a broader social and political context, the authors are able to examine the effectiveness of current legislative frameworks, education and awareness raising, victim support and perpetrator re-education programmes, along with wider political considerations. This enhanced understanding of the perpetrator mindset provides important insights into the use of social media to facilitate gender violence, and holds the promise of more effective interventions in future. This is a unique resource for students, academics, researchers, and professionals interested in revenge pornography and related issues.

"Erotics and Politics" examines the intersection of the study of sexuality (particularly gay male studies) and gender (spceifically those concerned with feminist issues). In doing so, it covers a wide range of subjects important to gay and feminist movements of the past 25 years. These issues include gay liberational sexuality, sado-masochism, pornography, promiscuity, personal relationships, AIDS and postmodernity. The central focus of attention throughout is the nature and development of gay male sexuality and masculinity. This book is unique in its coverage of a wide range of topics and its analytical connection of these topics which are usually examined in isolation. Drawing upon both academic material as well as personal accounts, "Erotics and Politics" discusses such issues as how feminism and gay male sexuality enjoy a simultaneously collaborative and antagonistic relationship; how society has conflated issues of gay liberation, child abuse and sadomasochism.

Georges Bataille is now recognized as one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century. Fascinated by the excessive movement of life, Bataille developed a complex philosophy based upon examination of the interplay between death and eroticism. For him, eroticism was the foundation of human experience, providing a sharp insight into the basis of human society and the response of the individual to it. Largely neglected during his lifetime, Bataille's influence has grown during the last thirty years, first in France and more recently in the UK and the US, where it has often been associated with the rise of post-structuralism and postmodernism. This text argues that his work is often misunderstood and conflated too readily with postmodernism; instead, the author treats Bataille as a multi-faceted thinker who does not fit in easily with any simple categorization.

Georges Bataille is now recognized as one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century. Fascinated by the excessive movement of life, Bataille developed a complex philosophy based upon examination of the interplay between death and eroticism. For him, eroticism was the foundation of human experience, providing a sharp insight into the basis of human society and the response of the individual to it. Largely neglected during his lifetime, Bataille's influence has grown during the last thirty years, first in France and more recently in the UK and the US, where it has often been associated with the rise of post-structuralism and postmodernism. This text argues that his work is often misunderstood and conflated too readily with postmodernism; instead, the author treats Bataille as a multi-faceted thinker who does not fit in easily with any simple categorization.

"Up Against Foucault" introduces key aspects of Foucault's work to feminists, in ways which are less abstracted than much of the existing literature in this area. It includes an introduction to Foucault's terms, and fills a gap in the literature by clarifying the links between the everyday realities of women's lives and Foucault's work on sexuality and power. The contributors explore the implications of analyzing power relations, sexuality or the body, without also thinking about gender and other social divisions. They bring their expertise from social theory and philosophy to bear on the same core issues; the ways in which Foucault provokes feminists into questioning their grasp of power relations, and the implications of the absence of gender in his own work. "Up Against Foucault" shows that, in spite of his lack of interest in gender, Foucault does have much to offer feminism - proposing new ways of understanding the control of women and especially the control of sexuality and bodies. This book offers new ground in relating Foucault's challenge to feminism to feminism's challenge to Foucault.

"Up Against Foucault" introduces key aspects of Foucault's work to feminists, in ways which are less abstracted than much of the existing literature in this area. It includes an introduction to Foucault's terms, and fills a gap in the literature by clarifying the links between the everyday realities of women's lives and Foucault's work on sexuality and power. The contributors explore the implications of analyzing power relations, sexuality or the body, without also thinking about gender and other social divisions. They bring their expertise from social theory and philosophy to bear on the same core issues; the ways in which Foucault provokes feminists into questioning their grasp of power relations, and the implications of the absence of gender in his own work. "Up Against Foucault" shows that, in spite of his lack of interest in gender, Foucault does have much to offer feminism - proposing new ways of understanding the control of women and especially the control of sexuality and bodies. This book offers new ground in relating Foucault's challenge to feminism to feminism's challenge to Foucault.

This book attempts to provide an interface between the study of sexuality (particularly gay male studies) and gender (primarily feminism). In doing so it covers a wide range of issues of concern to gay and feminist movements over the past twenty five years including gay liberational sexuality, sado-masochism, pornography, promiscuity, personal relationships, AIDS and postmodernity. The central focus of attention throughout is the nature, development and consequence of gay male sexuality and masculinity. The text is unique in its coverage of a wide range of issues and connecting subjects which are typically examined separately.