ESA Research Networks
Sexuality
The research network aims to promote research on human sexuality, bringing
together European scholars who apply the sociological imagination to the study of
sexuality. As such it studies how sexuality constitutes an aspect of individual
biographies located at different positions within the social structure. Using the
sociological imagination, this approach involves diachronic as well as synchronic
perspectives. Sexuality is seen as consisting of behaviours, desires, interactions,
motivations, discourses, actors, institutions, and power structures. The research network
will pay special attention to the study of diverse sexualities, sexual cultures, and
sexual health. Other basic questions to be addressed include What is "sexuality"
from a sociological point of view, and how does sexual diversity differ
sociologically from other forms of embodiment like gender and race. Traditionally within
sociology, the study of sexuality has been part of the study of reproduction and family
relations. The intent of this research network is to approach sexuality as a social
phenomenon and cultural practice in its own right and to focus on all aspects of eroticism
and erotic behaviours and interactions. It will support the sociological study of
so-called "paraphilias" as well as more prevalent sexualities. Diverse
methodological approaches will be encouraged, from "classical" positivistic and
quantitative research to qualitative, postmodern, interpretive, and phenomenological
approaches.
Coordinators
Prof. dr. John Vincke
Dept. of Sociology
Faculty of Political and Social Sciences
Ghent University
Universiteitstraat 6-8
9000 Gent
Belgium
E-mail: john.vincke@rug.ac.be