Sexuality is one of the most hotly debated subjects in social science. How have attitudes to heterosexuality and homosexuality changed in the postwar period? In what ways has the cultural representation of sexuality moved on, or according to some points of view, moved back? What is the impact of AIDS and the commodification and commercialization of sexuality? Has the old norm of heteronormativity collapsed? This thoughtful and accessible book provides a critical examination of the central debates attached to conceptualizing sexuality as a site of knowledge and politics. These are explored in chapters on the meaning of heterosexuality, sexual citizenship and the associated notions of sexual rights and obligations, queer theory and its relationship with feminisms, both 'new' and 'old'. Also included is discussion of responses to the HIV//AIDS epidemic and the implications for understandings of gender and sexuality. Assured, insightful and timely, the book is a pivotal contribution to our understanding of the contemporary state of sexuality and its political, personal and social implications. The book will be required reading for students in sociology, gender and women's studies, lesbian and gay studies. 'A bold and imaginative attempt to reorganise and restructure social theory's map of sexuality, Diane Richardson simultaneously contributes to a renewal of feminist theory and to the development of a new field - sexual citizenship. By approaching the question of modern sexuality through queer theory, citizenship and social movements relating to AIDS, she has indeed contributed to re-thinking sexuality.

… A balanced but forceful defence of feminist theory' - Bryan S Turner, University of Cambridge.