Challenging Casanova: Beyond The Stereotype Of The Promiscuous Young Male

Description

Changing perceptions about male sexuality In his groundbreaking new book, noted expert on teenage and adult masculine behavior Andrew Smiler debunks the myth that teenage boys and young men are barely able to control their sex drives, which may lead to destructive hyper-sexuality, unwanted pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. Dr. Smiler helps us recognize that the majority of boys and men do not fit this stereotype and that boys' sexual development is multi-faceted. He also shows how this shift in attitude could help create young men who are more mature, and have better relationships with partners and friends. Explains how the Casanova Complex has developed over time and how it can hurt young males Provides the latest research on male sexuality, including information from the author's own studies. Offers guidance for parents and counselors of boys who want to help them develop lasting and meaningful relationships, as well as for the parents of girls who are dating. This book dismantles the stereotype of boys as driven only by an obsession with having intercourse with multiple partners, and calls for deeper growth and understanding of modern masculinity.

Author description

Andrew P. Smiler has been featured in the New York Times and USA Today for his groundbreaking research in teenage and adult sexual behavior and ideas about masculinity. Dr. Smiler was a front-line family therapist and counselor to young men, has been an assistant professor of psychology at SUNY Oswego, and is now a visiting professor at Wake Forest University. He has also published more than a dozen papers in the Journal of Adolescence, Journal of Sex Research , and elsewhere.

Table of contents

Acknowledgments Introduction Part I: Approaches to Boys' Sexual Development 1. The Casanova Complex and Its Inaccuracies 2. Sexual Behavior During Adolescence 3. The Importance of Romantic Relationships Part II: Why We Believe in Casanova 4. Evolution, Biology, and Casanova 5. Masculinity, Peers, and Identity 6. How the Media Promotes Casanova 7. Appearance and the Casanova Complex Part III: Challenging Casanova 8. Non-Casanova Approaches to Dating and Sexuality 9. Sexual Knowledge and Values 10. Intimacy 11. Challenging the Casanova Culture Resources Notes References About the Author Index