Sexuality Studies

Sexuality studies examines human sexuality as a biological, psychological, and above all social and historical phenomenon.

Scope

It covers the science and history of sexuality, the social organization of desire, sexual identities and politics, and the regulation of sexuality.

Core questions

• How is sexuality socially and historically shaped?
• How is sexual behaviour studied scientifically?
• How are sexual identities and norms constructed?
• How is sexuality regulated and politicized?

Key concepts

• Sexology
• Social construction of sexuality
• Sexual identity
• Heteronormativity
• Sexual politics
• Regulation of sexuality

Key theories

Empirical sexology

Kinsey's surveys documented the diversity of human sexual behaviour, challenging norms.

The deployment of sexuality

Foucault argued sexuality is produced and regulated through discourse and power.

The politics of sexuality

Rubin called for a radical theory analysing the social hierarchy and politics of sex.

History

Sexuality studies developed from empirical sexology (Kinsey) to the social-constructionist analysis of sexuality (Foucault, Rubin), foundational also for queer studies.

Debates

Essentialism versus social constructionism

Whether sexuality is a fixed natural drive or a historically constructed phenomenon.

Key figures

• Alfred Kinsey
• Michel Foucault
• Gayle Rubin

Seminal works

• kinsey-1948
• foucault-1976
• rubin-1984

Frequently asked questions

Is sexuality natural or socially constructed?

Sexuality studies emphasizes that, while it has biological aspects, sexuality is profoundly shaped by society, history, and power.