Sexology

'Disorders of Desire' tells the story of the development and impact of sexology - the scientific study of sex - in the United States.

Sexual drives are rooted in biology, but we don't act on them blindly. Indeed, as the eminently readable judge and legal scholar Richard Posner shows, we make quite rational choices about sex, based on the costs and benefits perceived.

Drawing on the fields of biology, law, history, religion, and economics, this sweeping study examines societies from ancient Greece to today's Sweden and issues from masturbation, incest taboos, date rape, and gay marriage to Baby M. The first comprehensive approach to sexuality and its social controls, Posner's rational choice theory surprises, explains, predicts, and totally absorbs.

Sexuality can be seen as a `problem' by many people being faced with media images and popular ideas of `normal' sexuality. Yet, despite critiques of sexology from authorities in psychoanalysis and feminism, sexuality is felt to be a problem for which help is sought.In Psychological Perspectives on Sexual Problems the authors critically examine theories of sexuality, but also link them with current clinical practice. Far from just addressing the sexuality of heterosexual, able-bodied individuals they also widen the horizons of psychology to look at positive, empowering practices with groups whose sexuality has often been marginalised, such as those with learning difficulties, gay men with AIDS and women with eating disorders.This book radically integrates theory and practice and will be invaluable for its positive and enabling perspectives on all sexualities.

This volume reflects a variety of views as to the nature of sexuality and politics. The editors have balanced theoretical chapters with a wide range of case studies covering topics such as sexuality in the British armed forces and the sexual policies of the Catholic Church. The book provides new methodologies for accommodating the political and intellectual changes associated with the emergence of sexuality as a political issue.