The Changing Dynamics of Bisexual Men's Lives ─ Social Research Perspectives

This book examines the intersection of myths of bisexuality with the liberalization of attitudes toward sexual stigma. The authors focus on the historical, relational and cultural conditions that influence how bisexual men experience their bisexuality. The 90 in-depth interviews enable them to examine the contemporary status of bisexual men from the perspective of bisexual men themselves. They illustrate a cohort effect with decreasing social marginalization and increasing bisexual pride with younger cohorts. The authors attribute these findings to decreasing cultural homophobia, which challenges binaries of sexuality and thus adds legitimacy to bisexuality. While the erasure of bisexuality is not entirely thwarted, the research captures a culture in transition toward acceptance and recognition of the bisexual male identity. 

Professor Eric Anderson is an American sociologist at the University of Winchester. He has published 13 books and over 50 journal articles. His research examines a decline in cultural homohysteria leading to a softening of heterosexual masculinities. This permits heterosexual men to kiss, cuddle and love one another; and promotes inclusive attitudes toward openly gay athletes and the recognition of bisexuality. His sexuality work also finds positive aspects of non-monogamous relationships and explores the function and benefits of cheating. Professor Anderson is recognized for research excellence by the British Academy of Social Sciences, and is a Fellow of the International Academy of Sex Research.

Dr Mark McCormack is Senior Lecturer of Sociology and Co-Director of the Centre for Sex, Gender and Sexualities at Durham University, UK. His research examines how decreasing homophobia impacts on men’s gendered and sexual identities. He is author ofThe Declining Significance of Homophobia, published with Oxford University Press, and has published articles at leading journals including Archives of Sexual Behavior,Sociology, and the British Journal of Sociology.