Space, Place, and Sex: Geographies of Sexualities

by Lynda Johnston, Robyn Longhurst

This accessible and engaging book explores the ways that "space, place, and sex" are inextricably linked from the micro to the macro level, from the individual body to the globe. Drawing on queer, feminist, gender, social, and cultural studies, Lynda Johnston and Robyn Longhurst highlight the complex nature of sex and sexuality and how they are connected to both virtual and physical spaces and places. Their aim is to enrich our understanding of sexual identities and practices—whether they be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, asexual, queer, or heterosexual. They show that bodies are defined and connected through media such as television, movies, ads, and the Internet, as well as through "real" places such as homes, churches, sports arenas, city streets, beaches, and wilderness. Drawing on a diverse array of historical and contemporary examples, the authors argue convincingly that sexual politics permeate all places and spaces at every level of geographical scale. Thus, they illustrate, sexuality affects the way people live in and interact with space and place, as space and place in turn affect people's sexuality.

Genres: Sexuality

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Carman Chew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book definitely presents a compelling and comprehensive argument for noting not just how bodies both affect and are affected by space, both in the real and virtual, but the political and capitalist motivation behind the sexing of bodies. Each chapter outlines clear themes and case studies, and collectively present a diverse range of topics to delve further into.

[Piper Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book - really got me thinking about the changing way we look at the world we live in.

[Josephine Ensign · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to me as a decent overview of some of the more recent research in this area. Also relevant to me were the examples drawn from New Zealand culture since I'm headed there soon to teach community health.