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Deviance as history: The future of perversion

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Abstract

An approach to the social construction of concepts of sexual deviance and sexual perversions is considered. Deviance is conceptualized as a problem of control, perversion a problem of desire. These are seen as related to the larger sexual and nonsexual discursive practices of society and given to change as these contextualizing practices change. Changing conceptions regarding masturbation, homosexuality, pedophilia, and sadomasochism are examined.

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Simon, W. Deviance as history: The future of perversion. Arch Sex Behav 23, 1–20 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01541615

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