This anthology of over 50 contemporary readings looks at the dual forces of social construction and social control of sexuality. By also including selections from mainstream media among the scholarly literature, such as The New York Times Magazine and trade books, the authors make controversial and complex topics more approachable for students. Features Sources of abridged academic articles include Journal of Sex Research, Sexualities, Men & Masculinities, Journal of Homosexuality, Social Problems, Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, Contexts, American Sociological Review, Signs, Deviant Behavior, Sexuality and Disability. Each chapter opens with a "Spotlight on Research" feature, which is an interview with a leading researcher in the field. Special boxes throughout out the text highlight information complementary to the topic, ranging from additional research statistics to Bill Cosby's recollections of an early sexual encounter.