The International Association for the Study of Sexuality, Culture and Society (IASSCS) was formed in 1997. The members are concerned with the social and cultural study of sexuality. The organization brings together scholars from the disciplines of anthropology, history, sociology, health policy and cultural and gender studies. Specifically the association aims
• to promote the study of sexual identity, desire and experience in the context of specific social and cultural circumstances, thus prioritising the crucial diversity of this area of study
• to encourage, additionally, cross-cultural and cross-national dimensions which would address the general hiatus in the inclusion of diverse, Third World and non-western perspectives in studies of sexuality
• to remedy the gap which exists between Third and First World scholars and students, and to facilitate communication about scholarly as well as research and training possibilities between colleagues across the globe
• to continue to emphasise the central role of sexuality and sexual identity in the wider social and political dimension of human rights
The association seeks to promote quality sexuality research, and new researchers, by hosting international conferences, seminars, and meetings. It also seeks to sponsor training by sharing syllabi, manuals, and in helping to create internet multi-media material for use by all colleagues and students. The association seeks to develop and to promote tolerance and respect for the cultural rules and roles of sexuality in all countries, including the respect for human and sexual rights, as these impinge upon research and training internationally.