This comprehensive reader brings a social science perspective to an area hitherto dominated by the humanities. Through it, students will be able to follow the story of how sociology has come to engage with gay and lesbian issues from the 1950s to the present, from the earliest research on the underground worlds of gay men to the emergence of queer theory in the 1990s. Bringing together classic readings and the best work of younger scholars from all parts of the English-speaking world, this reader will be an invaluable resource for courses at undergraduate and graduate level in all areas of the sociology of sexuality and gender. Separate sections cover: * theoretical foundations * identity and community making * institutions and social change * challenges for the future. Each section begins with an introduction giving readers a brief guide to the readings in that section, contextualises them and relates them to one another and the book ends with an afterword by Ken Plummer summing up the present state of play and looking forward to the future.

This comprehensive reader brings a social science perspective to an area hitherto dominated by the humanities. Through it, students will be able to follow the story of how sociology has come to engage with gay and lesbian issues from the 1950s to the present, from the earliest research on the underground worlds of gay men to the emergence of queer theory in the 1990s. Bringing together classic readings and the best work of younger scholars from all parts of the English-speaking world, this reader will be an invaluable resource for courses at undergraduate and graduate level in all areas of the sociology of sexuality and gender. Separate sections cover: * theoretical foundations * identity and community making * institutions and social change * challenges for the future. Each section begins with an introduction giving readers a brief guide to the readings in that section, contextualises them and relates them to one another and the book ends with an afterword by Ken Plummer summing up the present state of play and looking forward to the future.

This book provides an overview of current thought about the psychological issues affecting lesbians, bisexuals, and gay men.

This psychology textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the central themes and issues in lesbian and gay male studies. The volume reviews the published literature - from classical to the most recent sources - and compiles a collection of primary-source articles representing the best current research and theory. The text pays particular attention to identity development, gender differences, ethnic and racial variation, long-term relationships, adult development and aging. A conclusion calls attention to the need for new models in clinical practice, research and public policy.

Key Benefits: This book joins the strengths approach with an overview of social work practice with an oppressed population. A strengths approach provides a skills framework that can be used with any vulnerable or oppressed group. The book speaks directly to the reader through illustrations and boxes written by undergraduate students, as well as a wealth of case examples provided by experienced family counselors. Key Benefits: The text includes an entire chapter on sexuality (Ch. 6), two chapters on health care with the gay, lesbian, and bisexual population (Chs. 9 and 10), and sections on homophobia and prejudice (Ch. 2). The strengths approach provides a skills framework that relates to direct practice with all vulnerable people; the text also incorporates diverse racial, as well as sexual, perspectives. Market: For any level of social work practice.

The authors argue that there is little support for assuming that homosexuality has a biological basis. Recognizing the many pathways that lead to same-gender sexual orientation, the authors conclude that the cause is much less important than understanding the meaning of being homosexual.

This timely book seeks to demonstrate the coherence of lesbian and gay studies. It introduces the reader to the principal inter-disciplinary approaches in the field and critically assesses their strengths and weaknesses whilst asking: What is lesbian and gay studies? When did it emerge? And what are its achievements and research agenda? The gay and lesbian movement has emerged as a major political and cultural force. It poses a series of far reaching questions about the organization of identity, the operation of power and the limits of tolerance. Lesbian and Gay Studies has emerged as a vital and enriching field. It offers challenges to more traditional disciplines and requires new forms of thought about the connections between academic work and personal politics.