Dr. Kassia Wosick
Sexualities, Social Inequalities, Research Design & Methods, Social Psychology, Gender, Intimate Relationships, Commodification & Consumerism, Qualitative Research Methods
Office: Science Hall 286E
E-mail: kassiaw@nmsu.edu
Education:
Ph.D. - Sociology, University of California, Irvine (2007)
M.A. - Sociology, University of California, Irvine (2002)
B.A. - Sociology, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire (2000)
Background
Before transitioning to NMSU, Dr. Wosick held positions at University of California-Irvine, Irvine Valley College, and Chapman University. Dr. Wosick's prior research has focused on the construction and negotiation of sexual identities (mainly bisexuality), fidelity in romantic relationships (operationalizing commitment, love, and intimacy), and the gendered commodification of sex (particularly in strip clubs). She created the first Sociology of Sexuality course at several southern California universities, and has effectively established her sexualities courses in NMSU's Department of Sociology. She is often invited to speak at campus residential facilities, in various classes, and at organizational meetings on the subjects of Safer Sex, the Kama Sutra, Sexual Pleasure, and Sex Positivity.
Current Research
Dr. Wosick's book, "Significant: Negotiating Sex, Love, and Fidelity in Romantic Relationships" is slated for
publication in 2012 with Cambria Press. Based on over 2,000 surveys and 75 interviews with nonmonogamists,
monogamists, and polyamorists, "Significant" examines the importance of fidelity in contemporary romantic
relationships. The book highlights how individuals value loyalty and commitment, albeit in varied form and function.
Interestingly, gender and sexual orientation are most salient in conceptualizing monogamy, sex, and love. Gender
and sexual orientation are also key factors in rates of nonmonogamy, as well as how individuals establish relationship
agreements and rules. According to "Significant", the notion of feeling special between partner(s) is central in today's
romantic relationships. How feeling special is achieved and experienced, though, is much more nuanced than
expected.
Dr. Wosick is currently examining women as consumers in the sex industry, specifically in relation to pornography
and sex toys. Her second book, "Pinking" the Sex Industry: Women, Sex Toys and the Home Party Plan Economy,"
explores the financially tenuous yet compulsory relationship between gender, sexuality, and the economy. Based on
two years of ethnographic research and surveys with at-home adult novelty parties, consultants, and party
consumers, "Pinking" illustrates that women who attend sex toy parties engage in exploring their sexual selves and
realize their consumer potential within a decidely female-centered sex industry consumption context. Concurrently,
such parties rely on normative, gendered, and heterosexualized scripts, which may limit women's sexual autonomy
and prevent a more integrated approach to contemporary female sexual agency. "Pinking" is nearing completion and
will be published in 2013.