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Palgrave Macmillan

Experience, Meaning, and Identity in Sexuality

A Psychosocial Theory of Sexual Stability and Change

  • Book
  • © 2016

Overview

Authors:
  1. James Horley

    1. Augustana Campus, Camrose, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Canada

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  2. Jan Clarke

    1. Associate Professor of Sociology, Algoma University , Sault Ste. Marie, Canada

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    You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

  • Uses personal construct theory to explore how human sexuality is a factor in every day life
  • Examines how experience, meaning and identity are central components of a psychosocial account of sexual change and stability
  • Explains why and how sexual expression differs between individuals

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Table of contents (10 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-vi
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  2. Introduction

    • James Horley, Jan Clarke
    Pages 1-34

  3. The Nature and Implications of PCT

    • James Horley, Jan Clarke
    Pages 35-70

  4. Understanding Multiple Sexualities

    • James Horley, Jan Clarke
    Pages 71-87

  5. Social Influence on Sexual Constructs

    • James Horley, Jan Clarke
    Pages 89-103

  6. Power Relations in Sexuality

    • James Horley, Jan Clarke
    Pages 105-123

  7. Interpreting Sexualized Bodies

    • James Horley, Jan Clarke
    Pages 125-146

  8. Sexual Commodification: Pornography, Prostitution, and Personal Constructs

    • James Horley, Jan Clarke
    Pages 147-165

  9. Sexual Offenders

    • James Horley, Jan Clarke
    Pages 167-191

  10. Changing Sexual Interests, Identities, and Behaviours

    • James Horley, Jan Clarke
    Pages 193-224

  11. Final Considerations

    • James Horley, Jan Clarke
    Pages 225-244

  12. Back Matter

    Pages 245-295
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Keywords

About this book

This book takes the head-scratching out of human sexuality. Personal construct theory provides the foundation for a psychosocial explanation of sexuality that views everyday social interaction as key to the development of sexual identity and desires. The theory developed here accounts for stability and change in sexual identity through an understanding of the importance of experience and the importance of meaning in everyday life. The potential impact of erotica and pornography on sexual desire is discussed, as is the role of social power on sexual behaviour. The variation of sexual expression among individuals—everything from asexuality and sado-masochism to sexual assault—is examined and explained. Formal techniques for changing sexual desires are also presented. 

Reviews

“Experience is very well researched, with extensive citations throughout. … The authors provide a thorough discussion of the impact of cognition and language, biology, evolution, and culture. … the book provides a holistic view of human sexuality that is unique and interesting. Psychologists interested in personality, cognition, culture, sexology, and the historians of psychology should find Horley and Clarke’s book an interesting read.” (Carlos A. Escoto, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 62 (10), March, 2017)

Authors and Affiliations

  • Augustana Campus, Camrose, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Canada

    James Horley

  • Associate Professor of Sociology, Algoma University , Sault Ste. Marie, Canada

    Jan Clarke

About the authors

James Horley is Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the University of Alberta, Canada. He has has worked in forensic hospitals, prisons, and community settings as well as teaching at various Canadian universities. His research and clinical work have focused on sex offender assessment and treatment, but Jim has also conducted research on various topics relevant to social science history and theory. 


Jan Clarke is Associate Professor of Sociology at Algoma University, Canada. Her research interests include feminist theory, social movements, science and technology studies (STS), and critical pedagogy. She is a member of the Culture and the Canada-US Border (CCUSB) international research network. 

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