Human Sexuality

In this undergraduate textbook, Simon LeVay and Sharon Valente aim to help students understand the diversity of human sexual expression as well as the diversity of perspectives from which sexuality can be viewed. These perspectives range from biology and medicine, evolutionary theory, cognitive science, social psychology, feminism, and cross-cultural studies to moral and political discourse. Rather than attempting to present cut-and-dried answers to contentious sexual questions, the authors encourage the development of critical thinking and an openness to new ideas. Students who read this book will be able to make better-informed decisions in their own sex lives and to contribute constructively and non-judgmentally to the social debate on sexual issues.

For the Second Edition, the authors have improved the book's accessibility by adding a running glossary and a series of "Frequently Asked Questions," and by moving some of the more technical material to a new website. The book has increased coverage of controversial social issues like gay marriage and sex education in public schools, increased attention to minority issues, coverage of recent brain-imaging studies and advances in contraceptive technology and STD treatment, as well as expanded discussion of the nature and treatment of sexual arousal disorders in women. The organization of the book has been slightly changed, with separate chapters on women's and men's bodies; these chapters now include medical information on disorders of the reproductive organs, thus allowing for removal of the chapter in the First Edition that specifically covered that topic.