Studying Sexualities from a Life Course Perspective

This chapter overviews theory and research on sexual beliefs, behaviors, and identities over the life course. Following a brief history of the life course perspective on sexualities, the author outlines a conceptual framework for studying gendered sexualities from birth to death. Next, she evaluates a wide range of methods suitable for research in this area and discusses in depth exemplary recent studies focusing on different stages of the life course (e.g., adolescence, midlife, old age), the development of sexual identity and orientation, and specific experiences (e.g., parenthood, military service), paying particular attention to the ways gender, race, ethnicity, social class, and sexual orientation intersect to shape the life course. The chapter concludes by proposing critical areas for future research, including seldom-examined life stages (e.g., childhood, very old age), links across multiple life stages, pleasure and desire, transgender and intersex, sexual subcultures, physical and mental illness, disabilities, and contexts other than wealthy, post-industrial nations.