Sexuality in Europe
A Twentieth-Century History

A compelling account of the tumultuous history of Europe's 'century of sex'.

Dagmar Herzog (Author)

9780521691437, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 August 2011

240 pages, 44 b/w illus.
22.5 x 15 x 1 cm, 0.38 kg

'Herzog develops a sweeping analysis of the central role of sexual practices, cultures, politics, and violence in a century of war, mass mobilization, and wrenching social conflict and change.' George Chauncey, Professor of History, Yale University

This original book brings a fascinating and accessible account of the tumultuous history of sexuality in Europe from the waning of Victorianism to the collapse of Communism and the rise of European Islam. Although the twentieth century is often called 'the century of sex' and seen as an era of increasing liberalization, Dagmar Herzog instead emphasizes the complexities and contradictions in sexual desires and behaviours, the ambivalences surrounding sexual freedom, and the difficulties encountered in securing sexual rights. Incorporating the most recent scholarship on a broad range of conceptual problems and national contexts, the book investigates the shifting fortunes of marriage and prostitution, contraception and abortion, queer and straight existence. It analyzes sexual violence in war and peace, the promotion of sexual satisfaction in fascist and democratic societies, the role of eugenics and disability, the politicization and commercialization of sex, and processes of secularization and religious renewal.

Introduction
1. Reconceiving sexuality, 1900–14
2. State interventions, 1914–45
3. Cold War cultures, 1945–65
4. Pleasure and rebellion, 1965–80
5. Partnerships and practices, 1980–2010
Epilogue.

Subject Areas: Social & cultural history [HBTB], 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], European history [HBJD]