Related Experiment Videos
Anthropology rediscovers sexuality: a theoretical comment
1Division of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Anthropology has historically resisted sexuality research, but social construction theory offers innovative approaches. The AIDS epidemic has increased funding, potentially strengthening older models or advancing new constructionist theories in sexuality studies.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Sexuality Studies
Background:
- Anthropology has historically shown reluctance towards sexuality research, adhering to a dominant cultural influence model from the 1920s to the 1990s.
- Traditional anthropological frameworks viewed aspects of sexuality as universal, contrasting with emerging social constructionist perspectives.
- Biomedical research often relies on determinist and essentialist frameworks, which anthropological work has sought to move beyond.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the theoretical roots and implications of social construction theory in the context of sexuality research.
- To analyze the impact of the AIDS epidemic on the competition between cultural influence and constructionist paradigms in anthropology.
- To examine how increased funding for sexuality research may influence theoretical models.
Main Methods:
- The study involves a theoretical exploration and analysis of existing anthropological models and emerging social constructionist theories.
- It examines the historical development of research paradigms in the anthropology of sexuality.
- The impact of external factors, such as the AIDS epidemic and funding shifts, on theoretical development is analyzed.
Main Results:
- Social construction theory has challenged traditional anthropological models, leading to innovative work in sexuality research since 1975.
- Increased funding due to AIDS may paradoxically reinforce essentialist and cultural influence models.
- The complexities of sexuality research present opportunities to highlight the strengths of constructionist approaches.
Conclusions:
- Social construction theory offers a valuable framework for innovative anthropological research on sexuality.
- The dynamics of funding and the nature of sexuality research itself will shape future theoretical developments in the field.
- Anthropology must navigate the tension between established paradigms and newer constructionist approaches to advance the study of human sexuality.