The new sociology of sexuality has a two-fold aim: to demonstrate how
the social shapes the sexual; and to analyse how the sexual in turn
becomes a focal point for personal identity, cultural anxiety value
debates and political action. Drawing on papers from the 1994 British
Sociological Association annual conference on 'Sexualities in Social
Context', this volume brings together key contributors to this
stimulating new approach. Topics covered include theoretical
developments, the relationship between history and contemporary
controversies, community and identity, especially in the context of
AIDS, value conflicts and changes in the meanings of intimacy. The book
as a whole offers a significant intervention into debates on sexuality,
and a thoughtful contribution to the broadening of the sociological
agenda.