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Bodies, pleasure and displeasure
1School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. j.richters@unsw.edu.au
Culture, Health & Sexuality
|July 9, 2008
Summary
This study argues that sexual difficulties often stem from social rules, not physical issues. Understanding sexual pleasure requires a realist framework that connects beliefs to material facts about bodies.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Cultural Studies
- Philosophy of Science
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- The body is often viewed as a symbolic space in social sciences.
- Realist philosophy posits that meaning is connected to the material world.
- Societal values and beliefs impact understandings of sexual bodies and pleasure.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine conflicts between values and facts regarding male and female sexual bodies and pleasure.
- Analyze debates on male circumcision and clitoral anatomy through a realist lens.
- Highlight the disconnect between social rules and sexual difficulties.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes a realist philosophical framework.
- Analyzes public discourse and debates surrounding sexual health and rights.
- Critically examines assumptions in sexuality studies.
Main Results:
- Disagreements on male circumcision and female sexual anatomy arise from differing conceptual frameworks.
- Health and human rights arguments in circumcision debates often lack direct engagement.
- Measuring sexual sensitivity and understanding female orgasm present significant challenges.
- Many sexual difficulties are rooted in social norms rather than physiological dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Contemporary sexuality studies often overlook the impact of social rules on sexual difficulties.
- A realist approach is needed to bridge the gap between discursive meaning and material reality in sexuality.
- Calls for social researchers to engage practically with public health and policy on sexuality issues.
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