Sexualities: Identity and Stigma

Sexuality might be defined as the private and personal experience of bodily desire for intimacy and family
formation, yet expressions of sexuality frequently come under the public surveillance of state, religion, and
society at large. The regulation of sex and gender is at the core of many power systems in state and society.
Judgements on appropriate sexuality, including prescribed norms for gender are at the nexus of many of the
most contentious contemporary debates and social power struggles.
The course offers an overview of key theorists
such as Freud, Foucault and Goffman and influential feminist concepts in understanding gender and sexuality.
The module focuses on some important areas of contention, debate and power struggles, examining the most
recent work and future approaches to the study of sexuality. Themes and topics addressed include: Reproductive
Justice, Queer Theory, Clerical abuse of children, Prostitution in Ireland and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Trans (LGBT) issues.