Virginity lost : an intimate portrait of first sexual experiences / Laura M. Carpenter.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Carpenter, Laura M.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Sex--United States.

Sex.

Sexual behavior surveys--United States.

Sexual behavior surveys.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (304 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

New York : New York University, c2005.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Nervous, inexperienced, confused. For most, losing your virginity is one of life's most significant moments, always to be remembered. Of course, experiences vary, but Laura Carpenter asks: Is there an ideal way to lose it? What would constitute a “positive” experience? What often compels the big step? And, further, what does “going all the way” really mean for young gays and lesbians? In this first comprehensive study of virginity loss, Carpenter teases out the complexities of all things virgin by drawing on interviews with both young men and women who are straight, gay or bisexual. Virginity Lost offers a rare window into one of life's most intimate and significant sexual moments. The stories here are frank, poignant and fascinating as Carpenter presents an array of experiences that run the gamut from triumphant to devastating. Importantly, Carpenter argues that one's experience of virginity loss can have a powerful impact on one's later sexual experiences. Especially at a time of increased debate about sexual abstinence versus safe sex education in public schools, this important volume will provide essential information about the sex lives of young people.

Contents:

Front matter

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1 A Brief History of Virginity Loss

2 Defining Virginity Loss Today

3 A Gift of One’s Own

4 An Unendurable Stigma

5 A Natural Step

6 Abstinence

7 Virginity Lost

Methodological Appendix

Notes

Bibliography

Index

About the Author

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references (p. 255-276) and index.

ISBN:

0-8147-9008-9

1-4294-1397-2

OCLC:

76964398