Mindy Stombler, PhD

Sex Matters

The Sexuality & Society Reader, 5th edition

ISBN: 978-0-393-62358-1

Currently the best-selling sexuality reader in the social sciences, Sex Matters: The Sexuality and Society Reader (5e) is lovingly published by W. W. Norton.

Sex Matters combines abridged journal articles, book chapters, and narratives into a collection of readings for social science classes in sexuality. It has a strong focus on sex research, demonstrated both in its selections and the Sex Researcher Interviews that begin each chapter. The readings, curated by Stombler (Georgia State University), Baunach (Kennesaw State University), Burgess (Georgia State University), Simonds (Georgia State University), and Windsor (University of West Georgia), consistently provide examples of both the social construction and social control of sexuality.

Previous Editions

Word on the street

“My students love Sex Matters.  They photocopy pieces and hand them out to friends in other classes. It's a sensation. The book pulls no punches and never flinches.  It's theoretically sophisticated while still being accessible-- and it's titillating enough to make them want more. I can't rave enough.”

Kristen A. Myers, Northern Illinois University, Author of Racetalk: Racism Hiding in Plain Sight, Rowman and Littlefield.

Sex Matters is a wonderfully comprehensive sexuality studies reader. I particularly appreciate how Sex Matters shows how sexual practices and sexual identity don't necessarily have to be aligned.”

Meika Loe, Colgate University, Author of The Rise of Viagra: How the Little Blue Pill Changed Sex in America, New York University Press

“I am very impressed with Sex Matters, and very much enjoy using it in my course.  The [anthology] format provides a wealth of broad content and diverse perspectives, organized in ways that are inclusive rather than tokenizing.  The book provides a blend of empirical work and more personalized accounts, drawing students in and making for a very engaging text.  It tackles some of the most controversial issues connected to sexuality in a straightforward [manner] that facilitates open classroom dialogue.”

anonymous reviewer of 4th Edition, Pearson

“The whole class has expressed positive reviews towards the book and I personally felt as though it was an enjoyable informative read that has prompted many interesting discussions both in class and out. I really enjoy the diverse arrangement of topics and the inclusive articles about non-heteronormative sexuality and the importance of questioning societal norms regarding sexual standards and hierarchy. I would suggest this book for anyone interested in sociology or sexuality or anything involved in those categories (so practically anyone interested in anything).”