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 edu-

cation 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 whe-

ther 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.