Sex and the Body in Society

Catalog description

Examines cultural meanings and social practices associated with sex and the body. Contemporary cultural norms and practices in the U.S. will be compared to other societies, historically and cross-culturally. Variations in sexual practices, ideals of sexual attractiveness according to age, gender, race, ethnicity, class and sexual orientation also will be discussed. Topics may include beauty industries (e.g. cosmetics, diet, fashion, surgery, drugs), sex and the workplace, the impact of media, social policy, and technology on ideals of sexual attractiveness, birth control, and sexual violence.