ABSTRACT

In this chapter, we unpack what or who constitutes the chimeric sex offender, the differences in sexual attractions that lead to such labels and the legislative and punitive measures that have either followed or shaped the lived experiences of sex offenders throughout history. Highlighting contradictions in who is prosecuted and who is not, paying heed to the role of status and power in determining how persons are viewed for engaging in offensive sexual behaviours, we draw attention to the application of the label of sex offender. We use this second chapter to offer readers a review of the mainstream, oft-ahistorical literature on sex offenders, and histories of sexual offenses to understand the chimeric aspects of sex offender’s social identities and how deviations from sexual norms were and are interpreted, regulated, and punished.