Sexuality in Modern German History

Sexuality in Modern German History offers both a detailed survey of this key subject and a new intervention in the history of sexuality in modern Germany. It investigates the diverse and often contradictory ways in which individuals, activists, doctors, politicians, artists, church leaders, reform movements and cultural commentators have defined ‘normal’ or ‘natural’ sexuality in Germany over the past two centuries. Katie Sutton explores how these definitions have been used to shape identities, behaviours, bodies and practices, from norms of heterosexual, marital, reproductive sex to ideas around the policing and categorisation of ‘unnatural’ or ‘deviant’ bodies and practices. Covering a range of crucial themes, including birth control, prostitution, queer and trans rights and heterosexual intimacy, this important text comes with 30 illustrations and a wealth of primary source extracts and secondary literature, helpfully integrated to enable further insight and analysis. This is a vital volume for all students and scholars with an interested in modern Germany or the history of sexuality in modern Europe.

A History of Sexuality in Modern Germany offers both a detailed survey of this key subject and a new intervention in the history of sexuality in modern Germany. It investigates the diverse and often contradictory ways in which individuals, activists, doctors, politicians, artists, social movements and cultural commentators have defined ‘normal’ or ‘natural’ sexuality in Germany over the past two centuries. Katie Sutton explores how these definitions have been used to shape identities, behaviors, bodies and practices, particularly around norms of heterosexual, marital, reproductive sex. At the same time, she examines how such ideas enabled the policing of ‘unnatural’ or ‘deviant’ bodies and practices. Covering a range of crucial themes, including birth control, prostitution, homosexual rights and heterosexual intimacy, this important text comes with 30 illustrations, a useful glossary and interesting biographical vignettes which help to illuminate the narrative. Primary source extracts and a wealth of secondary literature are also helpfully integrated into the book to enable further insight and analysis. This is a vital volume for all students and scholars with an interested in modern Germany or the history of sexuality in modern Europe.