The Sexual State : Sexuality and Scottish Governance 1950-80

This is the first scholarly study of Scotland's sexual coming-of-age in the post-war period, charting its political growth from a deeply moralistic policy framework towards a less judgmental, global and scientific context.

This important book fills a gap in the study of modern Scottish, and British, Society, providing as it does a vital perspective on Scotland''s sexual history and its political and social context. It is unique in exploring the period from 1950 to 1980, covering the immediate post-war and Scotland''s sexual ''coming-of-age''. It charts a steady political growth from a deeply moralistic policy framework towards a less judgmental, global and scientific context.

Davidson and Davis lead us through the Scottish sexual landscape leading up to the global crisis of HIV/AIDS, analysing post-war state policy towards issues such as abortion, family planning, homosexuality, pornography, prostitution, sex education and sexual heath. Policy-makers, social historians, teachers and students alike will find this an invaluable resource on the study of sexuality and policy-making in modern society.