Abstract
This article reviews the literature on the concept of sexuality and questions the dominant paradigm in Japanese health science and medicine. Furthermore, it discusses the several underlying problems of the concept. A study of the literature suggests the following issues. 1) The vague conceptualdefinition of sexuality specified by SIECUS about 35 years ago has been used without critical examination. 2) Many researchers and practitioners adopt the mind and body dualism of this definition. 3) They seem to support the idea of essentialism that the sexual desire is an instinct. 4) The definition can lead to discrimination and human rights violations against sexual minorities.
