Sex-Positive Criminology

<p>Sex-Positive Criminology proposes a new way to think about sexuality in the fields of criminology and criminal justice. Sex-positivity is framed as a humanizing approach to sexuality that supports the well-being of self and others. It is rooted in the principle of active and ongoing consent and it encourages perspectives that value bodily autonomy the right to access education and respect for sexual difference. In this book the authors argue that institutions such as prisons schools and healthcare facilities as well as agents of governments such as law enforcement correctional officers and politicians can unduly cause harm and perpetuate stigma through the regulation and criminalization of sexuality. </p><p>In order to critique institutions that criminalize and regulate sexuality the authors of <i>Sex-Positive Criminology</i> examine case studies exploring the criminalization of commercial sex and related harm (at the hands of law enforcement) experienced by those who sell sex. They investigate sex education in schools reproductive justice in communities and institutions and restrictions on sexuality in places like prisons jails juvenile detention and immigrant detention facilities. They look into the criminalization of BDSM practices and address concerns about young people’s sexuality connected to age of consent and privacy violations. The authors demonstrate how a sex-positive perspective could help criminologists policymakers and educators understand not only how to move away from sex-negative frameworks in theory policy and practice but how sex-positive criminological frameworks can be a useful tool to reduce harm and increase personal agency.</p><p>Written in a clear and direct style this book will appeal to students and scholars in criminology sociology sexuality studies cultural studies criminal justice social theory and all those interested in the relationship between sexuality and the crimino-legal system.</p>