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Issues of sexuality and gender touch upon all people’s lives, albeit in different ways. Cultural norms and social institutions — from religion, socioeconomic status, and education, to mass media, popular culture, and the law — all shape and influence our perspectives and lived experiences in regard to sexuality and gender. The prevalence of discussion on a range of often hotly debated issues — including reproductive rights, sex education, same-sex marriage, pornography, sex work, gender equality, and self ID — demonstrates that issues of sexuality and gender, while deeply personal, are simultaneously profoundly social in nature. This collection invites theoretical and empirical research that explores themes related to all aspects of human sexuality and/or gender as viewed in the societal context. Scholarship is welcomed from all areas of the social and behavioural sciences, as well as interdisciplinary areas. Research that reflects on policy making is also welcomed.
Contributions are invited on key themes, including but not limited to:
Abortion, contraception, nonmarital births
Art, culture, literature, and media studies
Body image
Conflict, violence, security, and peace building
Equality and inequality
Femininities and masculinities
Feminist, queer, and trans perspectives
Gender and sub/cultures
Gender roles, identities, discourses, performances, and structures
Gender/sexuality and economy
Gender/sexuality and education
Gender/sexuality at work, at home, in relationships, and in public life
Healthcare and ageing
Imperialism and globalisation
Law, policy, and citizenship
Mating, dating, and relationships
Migration studies (refugees, displaced people)
Persecution, exploitation, discimination, and exclusion
Politics and sexuality/gender (including participation and activism)
Race, class, sexuality, disability
Religious belief and faith systems
Reproductive justice and rights
Same-sex and heterosexual marriage
Socio-cultural influences and perspectives
This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 5 and SDG 10.
It is widely documented that population growth is closely related to overall economic growth. Given the close link between the two, the global decline in fertility rates has led to an increasing number of governments implementing pro-natal policies aimed at encouraging childbearing. However, this article seeks to emphasise the significance of policy solutions that prioritise the needs, choices, and decisions of individuals. Rather than compelling people to have (or not have) children, it is imperative that the reproductive autonomy of individuals be respected and supported. In a global environment that demands continuous population growth, the spotlight should always remain on the people behind the fertility numbers. A shift in the pro-natal policy paradigm towards a rights-based approach is necessary to prioritise individuals’ family aspirations, break down institutional barriers, and promote equity in family formation.