On the Institutionalization of Sexuality.

Human sexuality has been analyzed traditionally within the conceptual frameworks of marriage and the family. This paper deals, however, with the premise that sex is becoming an autonomous and distinct realm of social interaction. The sociological implications of such a development are explored. An attempt is made to design an analytical framework suitable to the study of sexual behavior—and its interconnections with other social institutions—as an end in itself. Finally, a case is made in support of the analysis of sexual interaction within a framework of reciprocity and exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]