Sociological heritage of S.I. Golod: the concept of sexuality

The paper analyzes the scientific contribution of Sergei Isaevich Golod to the formation of the sociology of sexuality in Russia. It is based on an interview with the sociologist conducted by the author of the paper in 2011, as well as on the examination of his rich scientific heritage reflected in various publications. The key and most important for the development of sociological knowledge is the thesis about the irreducibility of sexuality to sexual (sex) and reproductive functions, understanding it as a value in itself, embodied in eroticism, love and intimacy. This interpretation of sexuality formed the framework for the typology of sexual relations developed by S.I. Golod, a hierarchy of levels of erotic-emotional ties in society, which was later operationalized and studied in empirical research devoted to the culture (values and norms) and behavior (actions, practices) of representatives of various social groups in Russia in the second half of the 20th century.