Sex and Diversity in Later Life: Critical Perspectives

This edited volume explores diversity in sexual and intimate experiences among older adults (50+), highlighting the intersection of age, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class. It offers critical insights and original research on normative, non-normative, and new normative forms of sexual identification and expression.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Despite the growing recognition of sexual diversity, older individuals' accounts of sex and intimacy continue to be marginalized. This edited volume focuses on diversity in sexual and intimate experiences among individuals aged 50 and above, encompassing international research and analysis on intersectional identities. Contributors delve into the intricate ways in which being older intersects with factors such as ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class. By offering a critical lens and unique insights, this collection expands our understanding of intimacies, practices, and pleasures for those who defy traditional norms, embrace non-normative identities, and contribute to emerging new normative forms of sexual identification and expression.

Introduction:
The aging population is rapidly growing worldwide, and with it, there is a growing interest in understanding the diverse sexual and intimate experiences of older individuals. While there has been a significant increase in awareness and recognition of sexual diversity in recent years, older people's accounts of sex and intimacy often remain marginalized and underrepresented. This edited volume aims to address this gap by bringing together international research and analysis on diversity in sexual and intimate experiences among individuals aged 50 and above.

Diversity in Sexual and Intimate Experiences:
The contributors to this volume explore how being older intersects with various differences, including ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class. They examine how these intersections shape individuals' experiences of intimacy, relationships, and pleasure. The chapters provide a rich tapestry of narratives and perspectives, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities that older individuals face in their sexual and intimate lives.

Critical Focus:
One of the key strengths of this collection is its critical focus on the intersectionality of identities. The contributors recognize that individuals do not exist in isolation but are shaped by multiple intersecting factors, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, and ability. They argue that a comprehensive understanding of older individuals' sexual and intimate experiences requires a nuanced analysis that takes into account these intersectional identities.

Original Contributions:
The chapters in this collection offer original contributions to an emerging field that is still relatively neglected. By highlighting the experiences of older individuals, the editors and contributors challenge traditional notions of sexuality and age. They provide insights into the complexities of intimacy, relationships, and pleasure, and offer new perspectives on what it means to be sexual and intimate in later life.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this edited volume provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of diversity in sexual and intimate experiences among older individuals. By bringing together international research and analysis, it offers a critical lens through which we can explore the unique challenges and opportunities that older people face in their sexual and intimate lives. The chapters provide valuable insights into the intersectionality of identities and offer original contributions to an emerging field that is still relatively neglected. As we continue to age and as our understanding of sexuality and intimacy evolves, it is essential to continue to promote inclusive and respectful research and analysis that recognizes the diverse experiences of older individuals.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447355410