Human Sexuality: Biological, Psychological, and Cultural Perspectives

Human Sexuality: Biological, Psychological, and Cultural Perspectives is a unique textbook that provides a complete analysis of this crucial aspect of life around the world. Utilizing viewpoints across cultural and national boundaries, and deftly weaving evolutionary and psychological perspectives, Bolin and Whelehan go beyond the traditional evolution and primatology to address cross-cultural and contemporary issues, as well as anthropological contributions and psycho-social perspectives.
Taking into account the evolution of human anatomy, sexual behavior, attitudes, and beliefs, this far-reaching text goes beyond what is found in traditional books to present a wide diversity of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors found globally. In addition to providing a rich array of photographs, illustrations, tables, and a glossary of terms, this extraordinary textbook explores:



pregnancy and childbirth as a bio-cultural experience


life-course issues related to gender identity, sexual orientations, behaviors, and lifestyles


socioeconomic, political, historical, and ecological influences on sexual behavior


early childhood sexuality, puberty and adolescence


birth control, fertility, conception, and sexual differentiation


HIV infection, AIDS, AIDS globalization and sex work

Fusing biological, socio-psychological, and cultural influences to offer new perspectives on understanding human sexuality, its development over millions of years of evolution, and how sexuality is embedded in specific socio-cultural contexts, this is the text for educators and students who wish to understand human sexuality in all of its richness and complexity.

Anne Bolin is Professor of Anthropology in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Elon University and is the recipient of the Elon University Distinguished Scholar Award. She is the co-author of Perspectives on Human Sexuality (1999) with Patricia Whelehan. She is also co-author of Athletic Intruders: Women, Culture and Exercise (2003) with Jane Granskog. She is a Diplomate with the American Board of Sexology, a certified sex researcher, Fellow of the Society for Applied Anthropology, former co-chair/co-founder and currently Steering Committee member of the Human Sexuality and Anthropology Interest Group.
Patricia Whelehan is Professor of Anthropology and AIDS Education Coordinator at SUNY-Potsdam. She is the co-author of Perspectives on Human Sexuality (1999) with Anne Bolin and author of An Anthropological Perspective on Prostitution: The World’s Oldest Profession (2001). In 2007, she received the President’s Award for Excellence in Service. In 1999 and 2008, she received the Phi Eta Sigma award for Outstanding Teacher of the year, and in 2008 she was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi, a national honor society that recognizes scholarly distinction. Her textbook, The Anthropology of AIDS: A Global Perspective is forthcoming in 2009.

Preface Acknowledgments Chapter 1. Introduction: History and Context Chapter 2. Perspectives on Human Sexuality: Bio-Psycho-Cultural Approaches Chapter 3. The Evolutionary History of Human Sexuality Chapter 4. Introduction to the Hormonal Basis of Modern Human Sexuality Chapter 5. Modern Human Male Anatomy and Physiology Chapter 6. Modern Human Female Anatomy and Physiology Chapter 7. Fertility, Conception, and Sexual Differentiation Chapter 8. Pregnancy and Childbirth As a Bio-Cultural Experience Chapter 9. Early childhood Sexuality Chapter 10. Puberty and Adolescence Chapter 11. Topics in Adult Sexuality: Human Sexual Response Chapter 12. Topics in Adult Sexuality: Birth Control Chapter 13. Topics in Adult Sexuality: Life Course Issues Related to Gender Identity, Gender Roles, and Aging Chapter 14. Sexual Orientations, Behaviors, and Life-Styles Chapter 15. HIV Infection and AIDS Chapter 16. Globalization and Sexuality: The Meaning and Issues of “Sex Work” Globally Chapter 17. Summary and Conclusion Notes Glossary Bibliography Index