Full Description
Originally published in 1977. For centuries myth, misinformation and taboo have distorted our vision of our sexual nature. This book examines such cultural phenomena: from Greek dualistic thought to Buddhist philosophy; from the attempt of early Christian sects to promote total chastity to homosexual practices among the Arabs. It explains Victorian theories about masturbation and madness, sexist dogmas limiting feminine potential, social attitudes towards abortion over time; and much more. Extensively researched, this fascinating classic work is a comprehensive summary of our knowledge of past sexual attitudes as well as an appraisal of the causes and direction of sexual revolution.
Contents
1. Breaking the Taboo 2. Why the Hostility to Sex 3. "Unnatural Sex" 4. Sex Need Not Be a Sin: Some Alternative Views (China, India, Islam) 5. The Secret Sin 6. Sex vs. Gender (Transvestism, Transsexualism) 7. Pregnancy, Contraceptives, and Abortion 8. Should People Who Menstruate be Admitted to Harvard? 9. Prostitution and the Pox 10. Pornography, Obscenity, or Personal Preference? 11. Nudism and Clothing 12. Homosexuality, Sex Labelling and Stigmatized Behavior 13. Sex in a Changing World
