The Sociological Study of Sexuality: An Introduction

Abstract

Sexuality is a major influence on individual health and well being, an important component of many types of social relationships, and an increasingly visible feature of social life. Not surprisingly, it has been the focus of a great deal of scholarly inquiry and research. In the early decades of the twentieth century, much of the “scientific” writing about sexuality focused on what were considered problematic forms of sexual cognitions and behaviors. These works reflected an essentialist view of sex, sexual orientation , and sexual behavior. The empirical base of this work was largely case studies of people seen in therapeutic settings. As a result, the literature had an individualistic, psychological focus.