Women's Sexualities

Researchers and theorists who attempt to generalize about sexuality and sexual orientation in both men and women simultaneously often take male experiences as the norm and ignore unique aspects of women's lives. The purpose of this issue is to focus attention on scientific research and theory about aspects of women's sexualities, with special emphasis on sexual orientation. A new paradigm is presented that recognizes the great diversity of women's erotic experiences and the many sociocultural factors that shape women's sexuality and sexual orientation across the lifespan.

Part I: Sexuality and Sexual Orientation:. 1. "Understanding Women's Sexualities and Sexual Orientations: An Introduction": Linda D. Garnets & Letitia Anne Peplau, University of California, Los Angeles. 2. "Sexual Orientation and Sex in Women's Lives: Conceptual and Methodological Issues":. Esther D. Rothblum, University of Vermont. 3. "Bisexuality: A Contemporary Paradox for Women": Paula C. Rodríguez Rust, State University of New York at Geneseo. Part II: Social Contexts:. 4. "Culture and Women's Sexualities": Evelyn Blackwood, Purdue University. 5. "African American Lesbian and Bisexual Women": Beverly Greene, St. John's University. 6. "Sexual Prejudice and Gender: Do Heterosexuals' Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men Differ?: Gregory M. Herek, University of California at Davis. Part III: Development:. 7. "Biological Research on Women's Sexual Orientations: Evaluating the Scientific Evidence": Rosemary C. Veniegas, University of California, San Francisco; Terri D. Conley, Univsersity of California, Los Angeles. 8. "Becoming a Heterosexual Adult: The Experiences of Young Women": Janet Shibley Hyde & Sara R. Jaffee, University of Wisconsin. 9. "Explaining Diversity in the Development of Same-Sex Sexuality Among Young Women": Lisa M. Diamond, University of Utah; Ritch C. Savin-Williams, Cornell University. Part IV: Implications for Research and Policy:. 10. "Heterosexism and the Study of Women's Romantic and Friend Relationships": Suzanna Rose, University of Missouri-St. Louis. 11. "A New Paradigm for Understanding Women's Sexuality and Sexual Orientation": Linda D. Garnets & Letitia Anne Peplau, University of California, Los Angeles. 12. "Seeing Is Believing: Research on Women's Sexual Orientation and Public Policy": Sheila James Kuehl, California State Assembly. 13. "Afterword": Jacqueline D. Goodchilds, University of California, Los Angeles.