ABSTRACT
We often think about our sexuality as very private and personal. However true this might be, sexuality is also social in a number of ways. One of the clearest examples of the social aspect of sexuality is the recent “culture war” in the United States, which is largely a struggle over what the social rules governing sexuality should be. Should comprehensive sex education be provided to students through public education? Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry under the law? Should pregnant women have the right to decide whether they get an abortion? What about girls who are under 18 years old? These issues about sexuality certainly have a profound impact on people’s personal lives. The policy battles over these issues, however, are taking place in the public sphere, fought by activists and politicians.
