MEDIA RELEASE 17/1/06
Sexual issues explored in new book
In advertising, in the news, as part of our identity... sexuality is both inescapably public as well as fundamentally
private.
In Sexuality Down Under: Social and Historical Perspectives historians and sociologists explore issues of sexuality and
society. Editors Allison Kirkman and Pat Moloney have gathered contributions discussing a range of issues, from
sexuality and Pacific peoples, to the impact of Viagra and art controversies including the 'Virgin in a Condom'.
New Zealand's sexual history is not a straightforward march from repression to liberation. And, rather than being seen
as inherent in human beings, attitudes towards sexuality are regarded as historically specific ways of thinking about
and controlling reproductive organs and bodily pleasure. In this book, historians look at how sexuality was understood
and expressed in the past and why that might differ from today, while the social scientists complement this material by
building a picture of contemporary attitudes and behaviours.
There are some startling insights. Jan Jordan analyses rape allegations and the often-sceptical response by New Zealand
police officers. Their perceptions of rape and sex generally echo more closely accounts from the men accused of rape
than they did descriptions of rape provided by women.
The New Zealand teenage birth rate is the third highest in the OECD. Barbara Collins explores the sexual knowledge and
experiences of teenage mothers. She analyses the risk factors in the lives of young women who get pregnant, and how
their understandings, beliefs and attitudes towards sexual activity and contraceptive use contributed to the likelihood
of pregnancy.
Prostitution law reform continues to be controversial. Libby Plumridge explores the different experiences of street
workers and prostitutes working from parlours or private premises. Parlour and escort workers try to approach commercial
sex as a human encounter. In contrast, street workers experience fear in a workplace that is violent and dangerous.
Sexuality Down Under is published by Otago University Press.
About the Editors
Allison Kirkman is a senior lecturer in Sociology; Pat Moloney senior lecturer in Political Science. Both are from
Victoria University of Wellington.
ENDS