Tina Fetner

Tina Fetner is a Professor and Chair of the Sociology Department at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. She is an accomplished sociologist specializing in gender, sexuality, and social movements. As Principal Investigator for the multi-method Sex in Canada research project, she examines sexual behavior and social attitudes among Canadian adults. Her work bridges academic research and public discourse, with frequent media appearances and contributions to major publications.

Dr. Fetner's educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Arts in Economics from University of California, Santa Cruz
• Master of Arts in Sociology from New York University
• PhD in Sociology from New York University

Tina Fetner's research primarily focuses on the social organization of sexual behavior, with particular emphasis on gender dynamics, feminist identity, and sexual satisfaction. Her work explores how social structures, cultural norms, and political movements shape intimate experiences and sexual identities. She investigates the intersection of religion and sexuality, examining how Christian religious identity influences sexual behaviors and attitudes. Her research on the gender gap in orgasms has garnered significant attention, revealing how feminist identification correlates with more pleasurable sexual experiences for women. Through her Sex in Canada project, she provides groundbreaking insights into Canadian sexual behaviors, challenging stereotypes and informing public understanding of contemporary sexual practices.

Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on gender, sexuality, and social movements. The articles reveal an evolving trajectory from comparative analyses of attitudes toward lesbian and gay people, to in-depth examinations of sexual behaviors and experiences in contemporary Canada. A significant portion of her recent work investigates the relationship between feminist identity and sexual behavior, challenging stereotypes about feminists' sexual lives. Her research also continues to explore the dynamics between LGBT movements and religious right activism, though with increasing attention to contemporary Canadian contexts. The methodological approaches in her work range from large-scale survey research to comparative historical analysis, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to sociological inquiry.

Dr. Fetner has received recognition for her scholarly contributions, with her research featured in numerous news outlets and policy discussions, indicating significant public impact.

In addition to her research, Dr. Fetner is actively involved in academic leadership and mentoring. She has supervised numerous graduate students through McMaster's Sociology Department and has taught courses including Sociology of Gender and Sexuality, Sociology of Sexualities, and Political Sociology. Her commitment to professional development extends beyond her institution, as evidenced by her leadership roles in major sociological associations. She has served as President of the Canadian Sociological Association, on the governing council of the American Sociological Association, and as Chair of the ASA Section on Collective Behavior and Social Movements. She is also the founding co-Chair of SWS-North, the Canadian regional chapter of Sociologists for Women in Society.

Dr. Fetner leads the Sex in Canada research team, which conducts comprehensive studies on sexual behavior and attitudes among Canadian adults. This multi-method project combines survey research with qualitative analysis to provide nuanced understanding of contemporary sexual practices. Her team's work has produced significant findings on topics including the gender gap in orgasms, sexual identity-behavior discordance, and the relationship between feminist identification and sexual satisfaction.