Body matters

The study of the body has developed rapidly in the social sciences and humanities in recent years, and Body Matters reflects the exciting ferment of ideas and research that is taking place in this area. This collection tackles diverse themes: sex therapy, prostitution, the male body, the management of children and food, contemporary dance, body building and images of lesbianism. Underlying this diversity are some common themes related to sex and gender, control and discipline, and popular imagery. The essays examine the social construction of the body, including issues of femininity and masculinity, and the relationship between culture and the body, and the body as a commodity. Body Matters demonstrates the links with central issues of sociological theory, concluding that the study of the body is not an esoteric 'specialism' but a central strand in modern social thought.