Presents the first book-length examination of both the biological and cultural factors in human sexuality.

Human Sexuality: Biological, Psychological, and Cultural Perspectives is a unique textbook that provides a complete analysis of this crucial aspect of life around the world. Utilizing viewpoints across cultural and national boundaries, and deftly weaving evolutionary and psychological perspectives, Bolin and Whelehan go beyond the traditional evolution and primatology to address cross-cultural and contemporary issues, as well as anthropological contributions and psycho-social perspectives. Taking into account the evolution of human anatomy, sexual behavior, attitudes, and beliefs, this far-reaching text goes beyond what is found in traditional books to present a wide diversity of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors found globally. In addition to providing a rich array of photographs, illustrations, tables, and a glossary of terms, this extraordinary textbook explores: pregnancy and childbirth as a bio-cultural experience life-course issues related to gender identity, sexual orientations, behaviors, and lifestyles socioeconomic, political, historical, and ecological influences on sexual behavior early childhood sexuality, puberty and adolescence birth control, fertility, conception, and sexual differentiation HIV infection, AIDS, AIDS globalization and sex work Fusing biological, socio-psychological, and cultural influences to offer new perspectives on understanding human sexuality, its development over millions of years of evolution, and how sexuality is embedded in specific socio-cultural contexts, this is the text for educators and students who wish to understand human sexuality in all of its richness and complexity.

By offering approaches from biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and social-psychology this book contributes an original perspective to understanding human sexuality, its development over millions of years, and how sexuality is embedded in specific socio-cultural contexts. Includes a broad based analysis of human sexuality by providing a unique view of modern human, male, and female anatomy and physiology; pregnancy and childbirth as a bio cultural experience; various topics in adult sexuality, such as life course issues related to gender Identity; sexual orientations, behaviors, and lifestyles; and discussions of HIV and AIDS. Using these topics, the authors differentiate culture specific sexual behavior from what we share as a species. This helps to place sexual behavior In the United States in a larger context as well as reduces the tendency to view non-westerners as the "other" or exotic, thereby promoting a clearer understanding of the complex, phenomenon labeled "human sexuality."

This volume in the Springer Series in Evolutionary Psychology presents a state of the art view of the topic of sexuality and sexual behavior drawing on theoretical constructs and research of noted individuals in the field. Comprehensive and multi-disciplinary, this book seeks to provide a broad overview without sacrificing the complexity of a multi-faceted approach. The book is framed by introductory and closing sections that provide a context for the range of ideas contained within. Ample space is provided in designated sections that focus on key areas of sexuality from both male and female perspectives and that include information from primate studies. This volume can serve as a graduate text in sexual behavior in evolutionary terms and as a guide for further research.