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Sexual Wellbeing and Social Class in Britain: An Analysis of Nationally Representative Survey Data

Author

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  • Jenny van Hooff

    (Manchester Metropolitan University, UK)

  • Stephen P Morris

    (Manchester Metropolitan University, UK)

Abstract

Sociological discussions of sexual practices are often abstracted out from material constraints, with sex understood to be a private, personal matter. In this article, we use data from the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3) to first investigate whether an association can be found between social class and high levels of sexual wellbeing, thus potentially calling into question the decoupling of material and class concerns from personal life. Second, our analysis builds on previous work that considered correlates of sexual fulfilment and wellbeing, but which has focused exclusively on low sexual functioning. Third, we argue that the measure of sexual function developed and utilised in Natsal-3 is more accurately described as sexual wellbeing, as it provides a composite assessment including relational factors, better suited to sociological analysis. Our findings demonstrate that respondents in managerial and professional occupations report greater odds of high sexual wellbeing, suggesting material resources play a role in the structuring of intimate life. We argue that the extension of social inequality into sexual practices is reflective of the significant impact class has on elements of everyday life.

Suggested Citation

  • Jenny van Hooff & Stephen P Morris, 2021. "Sexual Wellbeing and Social Class in Britain: An Analysis of Nationally Representative Survey Data," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 26(2), pages 288-308, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:26:y:2021:i:2:p:288-308
    DOI: 10.1177/1360780420925489
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yvette Taylor, 2005. "The Gap and how to Mind It: Intersections of Class and Sexuality (Research Note)," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 10(3), pages 45-53, November.
    2. Jenny Van Hooff, 2015. "Desires, Expectations and the Sexual Practices of Married and Cohabiting Heterosexual Women," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 20(4), pages 123-132, November.
    3. Sasha Roseneil, 2000. "Queer Frameworks and Queer Tendencies: Towards an Understanding of Postmodern Transformations of Sexuality," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 5(3), pages 58-70, December.
    4. Paul Johnson & Steph Lawler, 2005. "Coming Home to Love and Class," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 10(3), pages 67-79, November.
    5. Tim Strangleman, 2005. "Sociological Futures and the Sociology of Work," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 10(4), pages 51-62, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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