Topics in Sociological Analysis (376-0-23)

Topic

Stigmatized Sexualities

Instructors

Mark Griffith
Mark Griffith is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Sexuality Studies, jointly appointed in the Sociology Department and Gender & Sexuality Studies Program at Northwestern University. His research interests are primarily in sexualities, with the goal of broadening our understanding of sexualities beyond sexual orientation. Much of his work to date has focused on consensual non-monogamy, or relationship structures in which multiple sexual and/or romantic partners are allowed under the terms of one’s relationship agreement. He identifies as Black, queer, and a second-generation immigrant.

Meeting Info

University Hall 412: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

From abstinence-only sex education programs to the public response to songs like WAP by Cardi B & Megan thee Stallion, we are bombarded with messaging that sexuality is stigmatized. But why is sexuality so taboo? How do social forces shape the way we view, experience, and regulate sexuality? Using a sociological lens, this course explores the intersection of sexuality and stigma. We will begin by exploring foundational theories of both stigma and sexuality in the social sciences. Armed with these frameworks, we will then engage with in-depth case studies of different stigmatized sexualities, including homosexuality, bisexuality, asexuality, HIV/AIDS, infidelity, sex work, kink, ethical non-monogamy, and disabled sexualities. The course will empower students to interrogate their own assumptions and to critically examine the forces that perpetuate sexual inequality in society. By the end of the course, students will have gained a deeper understanding of how stigma operates at both the individual and structural level. The final assignment requires students to write a proposal for a research project that would answer a sociological question of their choice about stigma and sexuality.

Learning Objectives

1. Gain familiarity with sociological theories of stigma and sexuality, and understand the evidence in which these theories are grounded.
2. Practice applying these theories to real world social issues, including one's own lived experiences. 3. Understand the explicit and implicit ways in which stigma and sexuality profoundly shape social inequality, especially as they intersect with race, ethnicity, and class.
4. Identify a research question related to stigma and sexuality and think through how to answer it with sociological data and methods.

Teaching Method

Facilitated discussion, case studies

Evaluation Method

Canvas discussion posts, class participation, theory paper, initial project proposal, literature review, final paper

Class Materials (Required)

All course materials will be provided on Canvas.

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration is reserved for Sociology Majors and Minors.