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Understanding Human Sexuality
Over the past two decades, has been widely recognized for its comprehensive and multidisciplinary coverage, its commitment to excellent scholarship, inclusion of meaningful Canadian content, and its appeal and accessibility to students. The sixth Canadian Edition retains these strengths while incorporating new critical thinking prompts and the latest information about a range of sexual topics; such as, impact of the internet, legal decisions related to sex work, the causes and treatment of sexual disorders, and more.
565 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
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320 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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December 12, 2022I did not read 1500 pages of this textbook this semester just to not count it towards my goodreads goal
December 10, 2024
(15th ed.) pretty good and comprehensive sex ed, very US centric though, and not the best source on LGBT issues in my opinion
yes i logged this bc i had to read this for a class
yes i logged this bc i had to read this for a class
November 6, 2017
Comprehensive as an introduction, but doesn't delve too deeply into any one topic
May 1, 2022
honestly for a textbook it gave me a good giggle sometimes
January 31, 2025
Summary-
Very poor job communicating topics. Political ranting that doesn’t effectively emphasize its importance, or connect with the topic. Author highlights topics/vocab as important, then doesn’t explain why it’s relevant or even give a thoughtful definition. Odd jabs at men throughout the book that aren’t necessary or very relevant, or even a bit harmful imo. Not worth the read if you’re interested in learning about the biology and psychology of human sexuality, but OK if you want a quick overview.
It doesn’t feel like anything was ever discussed in detail, except for rants about stereotypes, race, feminism, etc throughout the textbook. All of these are very important factors when talking about sexuality, but I personally had a hard time finding her reasoning for the rants. She did a poor job connecting social ideas with the science of human sexuality.
The author would also make statements and not discuss further, for example she states one pelvic floor muscle is particularly important, and that it can be stretched during childbirth, or weak. However, it can be strengthened through pelvic floor exercises, which is recommended by therapists (a near exact paraphrase). She never states WHY this muscle is important or what its function was, or how it is relevant to the reading. This happens too often in the book, making it imo a pointless read.
There were also odd jabs at men in particular (after she rants about inclusion!) which sucks because, speaking as a woman, this should be educational and not feel exclusive for women readers.
For example, her first sentence in chapter 4, Sexual Anatomy, is the quote by Dave Berry: “It is a well-documented fact that guys will not ask for directions. This is a biological thing. This is why it takes several million sperm cells... to locate a female egg, despite the fact that the egg is, relative to them, the size of Wisconsin.”
Sure, it’s a bit funny, maybe for a TedTalk, but the author had not previously talked about the psychology or biology of men, and never discusses this quote. After the quote, it jumps into female anatomy. It feels like an unnecessary jab at men, and sets the tone for the chapter as a bit demeaning.
In a previous chapter, she made a statement that implies men are not victims of r**e, so this joke really didn’t fit right. I’m assuming she doesn’t actually think men cannot be victims, but really poor communication from the author.
Maybe I’m missing something, but it really was not a great book if you want to understand human sexuality
Very poor job communicating topics. Political ranting that doesn’t effectively emphasize its importance, or connect with the topic. Author highlights topics/vocab as important, then doesn’t explain why it’s relevant or even give a thoughtful definition. Odd jabs at men throughout the book that aren’t necessary or very relevant, or even a bit harmful imo. Not worth the read if you’re interested in learning about the biology and psychology of human sexuality, but OK if you want a quick overview.
It doesn’t feel like anything was ever discussed in detail, except for rants about stereotypes, race, feminism, etc throughout the textbook. All of these are very important factors when talking about sexuality, but I personally had a hard time finding her reasoning for the rants. She did a poor job connecting social ideas with the science of human sexuality.
The author would also make statements and not discuss further, for example she states one pelvic floor muscle is particularly important, and that it can be stretched during childbirth, or weak. However, it can be strengthened through pelvic floor exercises, which is recommended by therapists (a near exact paraphrase). She never states WHY this muscle is important or what its function was, or how it is relevant to the reading. This happens too often in the book, making it imo a pointless read.
There were also odd jabs at men in particular (after she rants about inclusion!) which sucks because, speaking as a woman, this should be educational and not feel exclusive for women readers.
For example, her first sentence in chapter 4, Sexual Anatomy, is the quote by Dave Berry: “It is a well-documented fact that guys will not ask for directions. This is a biological thing. This is why it takes several million sperm cells... to locate a female egg, despite the fact that the egg is, relative to them, the size of Wisconsin.”
Sure, it’s a bit funny, maybe for a TedTalk, but the author had not previously talked about the psychology or biology of men, and never discusses this quote. After the quote, it jumps into female anatomy. It feels like an unnecessary jab at men, and sets the tone for the chapter as a bit demeaning.
In a previous chapter, she made a statement that implies men are not victims of r**e, so this joke really didn’t fit right. I’m assuming she doesn’t actually think men cannot be victims, but really poor communication from the author.
Maybe I’m missing something, but it really was not a great book if you want to understand human sexuality
January 28, 2026
Currently Reading for my Psychology (Human Sexuality) 2306 course. I am only on the first chapter and already I find numerous discrepancies on why this should not be used as a resource for sex education. First being the out dated citations. Some from 1999-2016. Tens years worth of research that has mostly likely been done and we are not learning this?
Most worrisome is this excerpt about two societies outside the U.S.:
1. Inis Beag, Ireland Coast - one of the most naive and sexually repressed societies in the world
- Commonly believed that menopause can produce insanity
-A woman is considered dangerous to a man during menstruation or months after childbirth
- Abhor nudity, only babies are allowed to bathe while nude. Adults wash only the parts of their bodies that extend beyond h=their clothing - face, neck, lower arms, hands, lower legs and feet
- Missionary is the only position used during sex
□ Female orgasm is believed not to exist or considered deviant
2. Mangaia, South Pacific Island, Polynesia
- sex for pleasure and procreation is a principal interest
-Around 13 the boy undergoes super incision ritual (in which a slit is made on the top of the penis. along its entire length) initiates him into manhood and the expert who performs the incision gives him "sexual instruction "and shows the boy how to perform oral sex, kiss and suck breasts, and how to bring his partner to orgasm several time before he has his own
I just don't see how to modern societies conduct themselves this way. These claims were sourced in 1971 (Marshall) and 1993 (Messenger) respectively.
Most worrisome is this excerpt about two societies outside the U.S.:
1. Inis Beag, Ireland Coast - one of the most naive and sexually repressed societies in the world
- Commonly believed that menopause can produce insanity
-A woman is considered dangerous to a man during menstruation or months after childbirth
- Abhor nudity, only babies are allowed to bathe while nude. Adults wash only the parts of their bodies that extend beyond h=their clothing - face, neck, lower arms, hands, lower legs and feet
- Missionary is the only position used during sex
□ Female orgasm is believed not to exist or considered deviant
2. Mangaia, South Pacific Island, Polynesia
- sex for pleasure and procreation is a principal interest
-Around 13 the boy undergoes super incision ritual (in which a slit is made on the top of the penis. along its entire length) initiates him into manhood and the expert who performs the incision gives him "sexual instruction "and shows the boy how to perform oral sex, kiss and suck breasts, and how to bring his partner to orgasm several time before he has his own
I just don't see how to modern societies conduct themselves this way. These claims were sourced in 1971 (Marshall) and 1993 (Messenger) respectively.
July 26, 2017
This was probably the most comprehensive sex education that I've ever had in my life. This book covered a wide range of topics, some of which weren't even included in my own sex ed in elementary/middle school. The readings were long and it felt like it took forever to get through, but most of the information was pretty interesting. What I really enjoyed about this textbook was the amount of diversity. The textbook highlights sexuality pertaining to LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled individuals, and ethnocultural communities within Canada, as well as human beings throughout the life cycle, acknowledging that both young and old can be sexual beings. The authors portrayed information in an objective and factual manner, which was inclusive of diverse individuals. It highlighted injustices prevalent within our society, and explained to the reader why it was so important to address such areas. Overall, I think that the textbook was a helpful addition to my course, and I hope that sex education in the future can only continue to be improved and built upon.
January 1, 2021
This book was very thorough, expansive and informative. I know I will be using it again for years to come. But way too pricey. Also it takes an exhaustive long time to read one chapter.
December 9, 2024
Wist veel al. Wel goede nuances en aanmoedigem voor kritisch zijn op onderzoeksconclusies. Geen kinderachtige plaatjes maar gewoon de hele shabang, dus dat is mooi. Oh en mijn god, zo Amerikaans haha
November 28, 2025
didn’t read 1500 pages for this class to not count it towards good reads
December 20, 2025
funny for a textbook!
November 25, 2022
This book gives a good basic overview about human sexuality. The text reads easy, and supposable difficult concepts are explained clearly. The authors aren't shy to joke here and there, making it at some times an even fun read.
Nevertheless, the book focusses heavily on American society, and is very heteronormative and cisgendered. But to defend the authors a bit on this part; they acknowledged this in the first chapter immediately.
If you can accept this while reading, you will find that the book is open-minded and very science-driven.
If you will not be able to accept this, then the book will be a tough cookie to consume.
Overall, I am not disappointed by the book, and read it enthusiastically for my course.
Btw, according to my sexology professor, this book is the best and most inclusive book about human sexuality.
Nevertheless, the book focusses heavily on American society, and is very heteronormative and cisgendered. But to defend the authors a bit on this part; they acknowledged this in the first chapter immediately.
If you can accept this while reading, you will find that the book is open-minded and very science-driven.
If you will not be able to accept this, then the book will be a tough cookie to consume.
Overall, I am not disappointed by the book, and read it enthusiastically for my course.
Btw, according to my sexology professor, this book is the best and most inclusive book about human sexuality.
December 12, 2022
(TW: SA)
It was actually kind of interesting, some parts were great and I wish I could give a higher score, but SO much incorrect information as well. The queerness chapter had so much wrong, and that wasn’t all. It’s so obvious this book was written by cishet people. Also, the way they discuss SA is mostly completely awful as an approach.
It was actually kind of interesting, some parts were great and I wish I could give a higher score, but SO much incorrect information as well. The queerness chapter had so much wrong, and that wasn’t all. It’s so obvious this book was written by cishet people. Also, the way they discuss SA is mostly completely awful as an approach.
January 3, 2014
Though some of the illustrations border on the humorous, this is a very well put together textbook that is both interesting and easy to read. The authors manage to convey the information in a clear and consise method without taking themsleves too seriously. Excellent textbook.
April 8, 2015
Read this book cover to cover for a university Human Sexuality class. Full of information, a lot of it interesting, some of it not relevant or inaccurate. Overall a useful book that covers many important topics surrounding human sexuality.
December 15, 2015
This was a difficult book for me. Part of it were amazingly educational, some parts were too graphic. If you want to know about what's new in sexual behavior and research in 2015, this is the book for you.
April 29, 2007
From my "Human Sexuality" course in college. Very informative and detailed explanations of the physical, emotional and intellectual aspect of human sexuality.
April 30, 2007
The version I have was published in 2003, but when I added the original publish date (for the 1st edition), it changed it to 1979. Anyway, it was a moderately interesting and informative book.
February 6, 2010
A really interesting text book and insightful into how the world at large (as opposed to just the Christian world) views sexuality and what's normal or not.
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December 8, 2011There were parts of my anatomy that I did not even know existed!
Very informative, interesting and non-biased. Some of the issues seemed a little outdated, but it was a great read.
Very informative, interesting and non-biased. Some of the issues seemed a little outdated, but it was a great read.
April 26, 2017
Okay, yes, this is a 600-page textbook. Was I reading it leisurely for fun? No, but nonetheless it had a profound effect on me. There is so much valuable information wrapped up in this text - I ordered a printed out version just so I could have it readily accessible for years to come. Human sexuality is still treated as such a taboo subject in today's society that we risk being uninformed on key topics. I feel I can better operate as a woman, friend, and member of the community after this read. Maybe I was supposed to study psychology after all...
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews