The Transformation of Intimacy

The sexual revolution: an evocative term, but what meaning can be
given to it today? How does 'sexuality' come into being and what
connections does it have with the changes that have affected
personal life on a more general plane? In answering these
questions, Anthony Giddens disputes many of the dominant
interpretations of the role of sexuality in modern culture. The
emergence of what the author calls plastic sexuality - sexuality
freed from its intrinsic relation to reproduction - is analysed in
terms of the long-term development of the modern social order and
social influences of the last few decades. Giddens argues that the
transformation of intimacy, in which women have played the major
part, holds out the possibility of a radical democratization of the
personal sphere.

This book will appeal to a large general audience as well as
being essential reading for students and professionals.

Auteur
Anthony Giddens is Director of the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Résumé
The sexual revolution: an evocative term, but what meaning can be given to it today? How does 'sexuality' come into being and what connections does it have with the changes that have affected personal life on a more general plane? In answering these questions, Anthony Giddens disputes many of the dominant interpretations of the role of sexuality in modern culture. The emergence of what the author calls plastic sexuality - sexuality freed from its intrinsic relation to reproduction - is analysed in terms of the long-term development of the modern social order and social influences of the last few decades. Giddens argues that the transformation of intimacy, in which women have played the major part, holds out the possibility of a radical democratization of the personal sphere. This book will appeal to a large general audience as well as being essential reading for students and professionals.

Contenu
Preface. Introduction.

1. Everyday Experiments, Relationships, Sexuality.

2. Foucault on Sexuality.

3. Romantic Love and Other Attachments.

4. Love, Commitment and the Pure Relationship.

5. Love, Sex and Other Addictions.

6. The Sociological Meaning of Codependence.

7. Personal Turbulence, Sexual Troubles.

8. Contradictions of the Pure Relationship.

9. Sexuality, Repression, Civilisation.

10. Intimacy as Democracy.

Index.