Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Sociologists of sexuality often invoke the theme of pleasure, but it is not always clear what scholars believe the implications and importance of pleasure are. To this end, this paper reviews the existing literature on sexual pleasure, specifically within the field of sociology, to demonstrate what questions about sexual pleasure are (and are not) currently being asked. Through a systematic literature review, I demonstrate that scholars often lack a justification for why pleasure is important. I also connect themes between the kind of questions being asked about pleasure and the justifications attached to these studies, relating to risk mitigation, relationship satisfaction and well‐being, power structures, and moral oversight. Based on this review, I make recommendations for the future of sexual pleasure research with the goal of centering pleasure for pleasure's sake and embracing its liberatory possibilities.
Source: Sociology Compass
DOI: 10.1111/soc4.13205
Author: Hannah Regan
Institution: Case Western Reserve University
Language: English
Topic: Gender and Feminist Studies
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
OpenAlex ID: W4394784095