Sexual scientism

Nature

Understanding of sexual behaviour is too often reduced to a body of clinical research. This tendency began as a creative response to the abundance of dehumanizing sexual images inherited from the 19th century. There is today, however, insecurity about expressing the more mysterious and subjective aspects of maleness and femaleness.

Counter-claim

Sexual scientism is not an important problem at all. The concern is vastly overstated; scientific approaches to sexuality have expanded understanding and improved health outcomes. Claims that sexual scientism is harmful distract from real issues like discrimination and lack of education. Focusing on this so-called problem wastes time and resources that could be better spent addressing genuine challenges in sexual health and rights. Let’s prioritize what truly matters.