Abstract

Takes issue with the biological focus of traditional theories of sexuality, drawing on postmodern trends such as hermeneutics and social constructionism. It is argued that traditional theories are characterized by a reductionism that precludes meaningfulness and an individualism that precludes genuine intimacy. The theories thus offer an essentially barren account of what is otherwise a richly meaningful human activity. A more fruitful account of human sexuality begins with acknowledging that sexuality is a fundamentally social and meaningful phenomenon and that it can only be understood in the social, historical, and moral context in which human beings live and act. If the linguistic aspect of sexuality were at the heart of theories, biological information could be given its proper place as context for understanding. 2012 APA, all rights reserved)