The Sexual Spectrum: Exploring Human Diversity

By Olive Skene Johnson

Book Overview

Questions of sexuality and gender are in the forefront of public discourse. Every day there are stories in the newspaper about same-sex marriage, gay and lesbian parenting, and queer rights. In this fascinating book, Olive Skene Johnson explores the myriad influences and elements that shape human gender and sexuality. Drawing on the scientific findings of experts past and present and on a wide range of personal experiences from everyday people, Johnson explores questions such as: Is sexual diversity new? Why do men and women think differently? Apart from their sexuality, are homosexuals and heterosexuals different? How do genes, hormones, and society affect our sexuality? Answering these and related questions in an informed and entertaining way, Johnson provides a wealth of information in this lively, commonsense look at sexual diversity, blending science with personal stories.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1551926814
• ISBN13: 9781551926810
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: Raincoast Book Distribution
• Length: 278 Pages
• Weight: 13.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Lots of science and research to explain her point of view

This is a great book to read for anyone gay, straight, etc. who wants to learn more about human sexuality, preference and why we might by the way we are. It's an easy read for someone who has a logic/science-based mindset. My only gripe with the book is a bit of contradiction. Johnson cites research that shows that many lesbians are lesbians by choice [p. 107 "More than half of the sample of lesbians in one study perceived their homosexuality as resulting from a conscious, deliberate choice. Other studies have reported similar findings"]. So she argues that lesbians are a mixed bunch, some being lesbian by choice while for others it's not a choice. Then at the end of the book she talks about the myth that homosexuality is a preference [p. 215 "The Myth that homosexuality is a preference"]. So what is it? The book is a good compilation of science and research on sexuality but Johnson throws in a chapter at the end about the current status of gay rights and some political thought on how to improve their situation. This last chapter seems out of place with the theme of the rest of the book. Still overall a good read.

Fantastic!

I've probably recommended this book to twenty different people (one of my most-recommended, period). An absolutely incredible overview of the topic of sexuality. Anyone who is serious about understanding human sexuality -- that is: no going "ew" when taboo subjects are brought up. Serious people are interested in discovering all that they can about the human condition and seeing things through the eyes of other people -- has to check out this book. Highly, highly recommended.

Single Best Reference on the Topic of Sexuality

"The Sexual Spectrum", by Olive Skene Johnson, is perhaps the single best reference on the topic of gender and sexual orientation/preference. The depth & breadth of the research reviewed, as well as the quality of scholarship are impressive for both their clarity as well as conciseness. Dr. Johnson should be commended for a work which should be required reading in all university courses dealing with the topics of gender identity & sexual preference, and a prime resource for clinicians working with these issues.