1st Edition
The Theory and Practice of Homosexuality
First published in 1981 and now with a new preface by the renowned scholar Jeffrey Weeks, The Theory and Practice of Homosexuality discusses the way people who are homosexuals see themselves and are seen by others. It provides a conceptual framework to account for the development and maintenance of a homosexual identity in a politico-cultural context, with a minimizing of psychological and social pathology.
The book is divided into three sections. Part one considers the major theoretical models relating to homosexuality. Part two explores identities and lifestyles, and part three presents the practical problems confronting homosexuals. A comprehensive and bold study, this volume will be a valuable read for students and researchers of sociology and LGBTQ+ studies.
Introduction
Part One: Theory and Practice
1. Theoretical perspectives on homosexuality
Diane Richardson
2. Theoretical explanations in practice
John Hart
Part Two: Identities and Lifestyles
3. The development and maintenance of a homosexual identity
Diane Richardson and John Hart
4. Going gay: identities, life cycles and lifestyles in the male gay world
Kenneth Plummer
5. Lesbian identities
Diane Richardson
Part Three: Presenting Problems
6. Self and professional help
John Hart
7. The legal problems of homosexuals
Charles Dodd
8. Lesbian mothers
Diane Richardson
9. presenting problems of gay people seeking help
Glenys Parry and Ray Lightbown
10. Married and isolated homosexuals
Diane Richardson and John Hart
11. Young gays
Rose Robertson
12. The problems of older homosexuals
Jeffrey Weeks
Biography
John Hart, at the time of the first publication, taught at Sheffield City Polytechnic.
Diane Richardson is Professor of Sociology & Social Policy at Newcastle University, UK. She has a long-standing interest in the fields of gender and sexuality, especially the areas of sexual citizenship, which is grounded in the materiality of everyday life and in feminist politics. She has led numerous research projects, including an ESRC funded project on the implementation of sexualities equalities policies in the UK.
