ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the concepts of vulnerability and marginality being used and misused, particularly in nations where the gap between rich and poor – wealthy and 'vulnerable' – has become a dangerous social, economic, and political reality. It also considers concepts of vulnerability and marginality particularly through the lenses of intimacy and sexuality. The book discusses that sexuality has to do with the way an individual understands themselves in the context of their anatomy, physical attraction to others, and emotional attraction to others. Dunk-West and Hafford-Letchfield describe sexuality as an umbrella term that "relates to the private dimension in which people live out their sexual, intimate and/or emotional desires". The book describes that some sexualities are valued more highly than others, depending on social, cultural, and political context, and the management of variant sexualities can range from indifference to public execution.
