46 pages • 1 hour read
Michel FoucaultThe History of Sexuality: Volume 1
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1976A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The History of Sexuality by Michel Foucault explores how discourse around sex and sexuality transformed from the 17th to the late 20th century, challenging the notion that the Victorian age was a time of sexual repression. Foucault argues that power is omnipresent, producing rather than repressing knowledge about sex, and shows how institutional power influences cultural attitudes and norms surrounding sexuality. The text addresses issues such as sexual violence and child abuse.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Michel Foucault's The History of Sexuality is praised for its profound and provocative analysis of sexuality and power dynamics. Critics laud its intellectual rigor and originality. However, some find its dense, philosophical prose challenging and its theoretical approach occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's an essential read for those interested in critical theory and social history.
Who Should Read The History of Sexuality?
A reader who enjoys The History of Sexuality by Michel Foucault likely has an interest in philosophy, sociology, and critical theory. They appreciate deep analyses of social constructs and power dynamics. Similar books include Judith Butler's Gender Trouble and Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick's Epistemology of the Closet.