Sex (Opposing Viewpoints)

From School Library Journal Grade 9 Up–This excellent collection addresses four major areas of controversy–the erosion of sexual ethics, sexual norms, sex education, and some specific behaviors. Within each major area, three topics are studied, with paired articles presenting the pro and con viewpoints. These include the research of Alfred Kinsey, sexual freedom, same-sex marriage, virginity pledges, cohabitation, abstinence-only programs, gay-tolerance education, pornography, and prostitution. The articles are drawn from professional journals, popular periodicals, organizational Web sites, and government documents. Most were written between 2003 and 2005. The authors include professors, journalists, attorneys, representatives and officials of proactive organizations for various causes, and even those with personal experience, such as Heidi Fleiss (Prostitution Should Be Legalized). Many of the articles have been edited for brevity and clarity. Full citations are given. The writing is generally clear, occasionally lively and personal, and at times impassioned. Each chapter opens with a concise, context-creating essay and concludes with a list of additional articles on the topics. Each piece begins with a brief summary, professional identification of the author, and questions to consider. Back matter includes further questions for discussion and a list of organizations. Not light reading, but intriguing in its revelation of the many facets of the controversies surrounding the personal and social impact of human sexuality, this volume will be helpful to researchers and those seeking to understand their opponents' viewpoints as well as their own.