The Transformation of Intimacy

The sexual revolution: an evocative term, but what meaning can begiven to it today? How does 'sexuality' come into being and whatconnections does it have with the changes that have affectedpersonal life on a more general plane? In answering thesequestions, Anthony Giddens disputes many of the dominantinterpretations of the role of sexuality in modern culture. Theemergence of what the author calls plastic sexuality - sexualityfreed from its intrinsic relation to reproduction - is analysed interms of the long-term development of the modern social order andsocial influences of the last few decades. Giddens argues that thetransformation of intimacy, in which women have played the majorpart, holds out the possibility of a radical democratization of thepersonal sphere. This book will appeal to a large general audience as well asbeing essential reading for students and professionals.