Nude Beach (Sociological Observations) [Paperback]

Jack D. Douglas (Author), Paul K. Rasmussen (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc (September 1, 1977)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803908148
• ISBN-13: 978-0803908147
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,906,169 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A sociology study of the nude beach culture of California, January 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Nude Beach (Sociological Observations) (Hardcover)

Not some trash book for perverts, but rather published field research done by a Sociology Ph.D. in conjunction with two colleagues. A book based on the author's personal research into the nude beach culture of California (1960's-1970's). The author examines the daily activities of the nude beach, and changes in attitudes of: the nude beach goers; voyeurs; law enforcement; & the courts. During the span covered of the book we see Californian views of nude beaches change from havens for perceived sexual perversion to acceptance of naturalists. Some nude beach goes were exhibitionists; some used the beach as their defiance of authority (teenagers going nude to antagonize parents); but the majority wished to experience the nude beach as a healthy way to enjoy the outdoors - even entire naturalist families. The author also talks in depth about the voyeur phenomenon. I read this while in college, and it was an insightful book with someone having no exposure (no pun) to this unique culture.