ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to acquire an understanding of what distinguishes non-normative varieties of sexual expression from those that are more acceptable, normative, mainstream—as well as how audiences react to each. To elaborate, the critics of the field of the sociology of deviance have argued that the field focuses too much attention on sexual transgressions and not enough on matters such as structural exploitation and oppression. Understanding sexual behavior demands that everyone has an understanding of gender. “Heterosexuality,” writes Diane Richardson, “is a category divided by gender”. Positivism is the application of the strict scientific method to the social world. Few arenas of human life exist in which a contrast between essentialism and constructionism is sharper than with sexual behavior. The research conducted by Alfred Kinsey and his colleagues produced numerous publications, the most well-known among them, the “male” volume and the “female” volume. Kinsey’s research reports most notably exemplify the “social bookkeeping” style of sex research.
