Sociology of Sexualities

Book excerpt: Sociology of Sexualities by Kathleen J. Fitzgerald and Kandice L. Grossman is the first comprehensive text to approach the study of sexuality from a sociological perspective. Drawing on the most up-to-date social scientific research on sexuality, it discusses fundamental concepts in the field and helps students integrate knowledge about sexuality into their larger understanding of society. Topics covered include the emergence of sexual identities, inequalities and discrimination faced by sexual and gender minorities, heterosexual and cisgender privilege, activism and mobilization to challenge such discrimination, the commodification of sexuality, and the ways sexuality operates in and through various institutions. Throughout the text, the authors show how sexuality intersects with other statuses and identities.