Handbook of the Sociology of Sexualities

This volume provides researchers and scholars with a broad overview of the contributions of social psychologists and sociologists to the study of sexual attraction, sexual relationships and sexual expression across the life cycle. The content and scope of this volume have been carefully chosen to balance coverage of traditional emphases with new and cutting edge materials. It includes materials using diverse perspectives and research conducted in the entire range of relevant research methods. This volume provides excellent resources for anyone interested in research in the sexuality area.

John DeLamater brings a broad, biopsychosocial perspective to the study of sexuality through the life course. His recent work has focused on changes in sexual functioning associated with age. He has published papers on sexual desire and sexual behavior in persons aged 45 to 75+ and a paper on sexual satisfaction using data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (ages 62-67). His recent work considers influences on frequency of sexual activity and cessation of sexual activity among persons 57 to 85. A major review and synthesis of research on sexuality in later life appears in the Annual Review of Sex Research, 2012. He co-edited Sex for Life: From virginity to Viagra, how sexuality changes throughout our lives, NYU press. DeLamater was awarded the Alfred E. Kinsey Award for Distinguished Contributions to the field of sex research by the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality. He is the co-author of a primary text in social psychology, and another on sexuality.

Rebecca F. Plante is Associate Professor of Sociology at Ithaca College, where she teaches courses on gender, sexualities, and sexual selves. She uses intersectionalities and qualitative methods to study hooking up and college campus sexual climate change; online dating, sexuality, and intimacy among U.S. adults; the concept of positive sexual reputations; and a sociology of sexual ethics. Her books includeSexualities in Context: A Social Perspective (2e), (Routledge, forthcoming) andDoing Gender Diversity: Readings in Theory and Real-World Experience (with L. M. Maurer, Westview, 2010). Her writing has been published and reprinted in journals, books, and undergraduate course books. Plante has been a keynote and invited speaker at conferences and was featured in the documentary “Nameless” (about millennials). She has been quoted in media as diverse asCosmopolitan magazine, Men’s Health (online), Curve, and LiveScience.com. She has also done radio and television interviews about sexuality, young adults, and relationships.