Chiang, Howard H. (2010) Liberating sex, knowing desire : scientia sexualis and epistemic turning points in the history of sexuality. History of the Human Sciences, Vol.23 (No.5). pp. 42-69. doi:10.1177/0952695110378947 ISSN 0952-6951.

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Abstract

This study considers the role of epistemic turning points in the historiography of sexuality. Disentangling the historical complexity of scientia sexualis, I argue that the late 19th century and the mid-20th century constitute two critical epistemic junctures in the genealogy of sexual liberation, as the notion of free love slowly gave way to the idea of sexual freedom in modern western society. I also explore the value of the Foucauldian approach for the study of the history of sexuality in non-western contexts. Drawing on examples from Republican China (1912—49), I propose that the Foucauldian insight concerning the emergence of a ‘homosexual identity’ in the West can serve as a useful guide for thinking about similar issues in the history of sexuality and the historical epistemology of sexology in modern East Asia.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Divisions:	Faculty of Arts > History
Journal or Publication Title:	History of the Human Sciences
Publisher:	Sage Publications Ltd.
ISSN:	0952-6951
Official Date:	2010
Dates:	Date Event 2010 Published
Volume:	Vol.23
Number:	No.5
Page Range:	pp. 42-69
DOI:	10.1177/0952695110378947
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access

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