Sex Cultures

Amin Ghaziani is Associate Professor of Sociology and Canada Research Chair in Sexuality and Urban Studies at the University of British Columbia.

“Amin Ghaziani’s Sex Cultures demonstrates how to bring LGBT Studies to a broad audience. His central thesis is that sex and sexuality are not biologically determined, but only make sense through the lens of culture. Or, as Ghaziani schematizes it: ‘Sex + Culture = Sexuality’ [...] I can only hope that Ghaziani’s book is widely adopted in classes and can enlighten a generation of youth, thus providing the revolutionary potential of mainstreaming LGBT studies.”The Gay and Lesbian Review“Sex Cultures is a field guide to the study of sexuality that is written in a delightfully accessible manner. [… A] fluid book that will hold up even as the sexual cultures of our world continue to evolve. It is written for scholars, students, and general audiences alike, and recognizes the investment that we all have in better understanding desire and the meanings we attach to it.”Social Forces“Ghaziani showcases his in-depth knowledge, his powerful analyses, and his clear, conversational writing style. These strengths make the text extremely useful to anyone interested in the study of sexuality, social change, or LGBTQ issues. Ghaziani provides a thorough overview of the existing knowledge about sexuality studies, while also advancing aspects of the field using a distinctly cultural approach – Ghaziani’s book is an excellent read.”Sociation“[A]n innovative, conceptually and theoretically novel framework that builds on the sociologies of sexualities and of culture. […] Ghaziani also reminds us of the diverse kinds of institutional consequences associated with different understandings of what sexuality is. This book will be useful in undergraduate and graduate classes alike.”Tristan Bridges, Contemporary Sociology“Ghaziani provides a smart, engaging and accessible introduction to thinking about sex in society. […] Drawing on a canon of scholarship from the social sciences and the humanities, along with a creative strategy of using an international set of ‘case studies’ to breathe life into those respective theories, he places culture in the driver’s seat and thus at the centre of the production of sexuality. […A] well-written, well-evidenced, and scintillating account.”Eric Anderson, British Journal of Sociology“Sex Cultures provides a unique and new way to examine sexuality through a cultural lens. […] Ghaziani helps readers explore how the seemingly abstract concepts of sexuality and culture can be uncovered throughout history and in their everyday lives. […] It is accessible, easy to read and enjoyable, making it a great introduction for students.”Canadian Journal of Sociology / Cahiers canadiens de sociologie“By outlining movements and events that have effected, constructed and formed modern sexual cultures, Ghaziani has produced an accessible, useful pathway for those wanting to start exploring historical and social movements concerning sexuality.”Screening Sex“Sex Cultures is a wonderful introduction to how to think about sexuality today. Unlike so many sexuality textbooks, here’s a teaching resource that elegantly weaves its way through cultural codes, political programs, and moral debates.”Steven Epstein, Professor of Sociology and John C. Shaffer Professor in the Humanities, Northwestern University“This is the book we have been waiting for – a comprehensive and engaging overview of the field of sexuality accessible to beginning students that also provides a concise and updated review of the field for graduate students. Beautifully written and insightful, Ghaziani’s text cleverly couches major theoretical perspectives and empirical questions in case studies that will be invaluable to both instructors and students.”Verta Taylor, Professor of Sociology and Feminist Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara

• Introduction: Feeling Flustered Chapter 1. The CityChapter 2. Politics and ProtestChapter 3. HeterosexualitiesChapter 4. Studying SexualityConclusion: Culture Wars?Notes