Author ORCID Identifier
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-13-2024
Abstract
Sociologists of sexuality often invoke the theme of pleasure, but it is not always clear what scholars believe the implications and importance of pleasure are. To this end, this paper reviews the existing literature on sexual pleasure, specifically within the field of sociology, to demonstrate what questions about sexual pleasure are (and are not) currently being asked. Through a systematic literature review, I demonstrate that scholars often lack a justification for why pleasure is important. I also connect themes between the kind of questions being asked about pleasure and the justifications attached to these studies, relating to risk mitigation, relationship satisfaction and well‐being, power structures, and moral oversight. Based on this review, I make recommendations for the future of sexual pleasure research with the goal of centering pleasure for pleasure's sake and embracing its liberatory possibilities.
Keywords
erotic, literature review, pleasure, romantic relationships, sexual health, sexual morality, sexuality
Publication Title
Sociology Compass
Rights
© 2024 The Authors. Sociology Compass published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Recommended Citation
Regan, H. (2024). A critical review of sociological research on sexual pleasure.Sociology Compass, e13205. https://doi.org/10.1111/soc4.13205