Dr. Ryan Scoats, specializes in the sociology of gender, sexuality and sexual behavior; in particular, threesomes and group sex.
Tell us about yourself and your career.
My academic career started in 2010 when I undertook a master’s in research and sociology with the hope that this would start me on the academic path. My initial interests related to masculinity and how young men were engaging with each other in more intimate, less homophobic ways. During some time spent away from studies, teaching English in Japan, I read a book by my former supervisor on monogamy and infidelity: The Monogamy Gap. This book in particular piqued my interest and opened me up to the prospect of studying not only masculinities, but monogamy as well. This in turn lead to an interest in consensual non-monogamy and finally my PhD in threesomes.
I am now an assistant professor of sociology in the UK and have had some fantastic opportunities to help educate others around consensual non-monogamy, and in particular, threesomes. As someone who is not shy talking about sex, I love to engage with others to help dispel some of the myths around sex and relationship practices. I also find academic research a fascinating pursuit and hope that my growing body of research on threesomes can help encourage future sexology research.
When I’m not reading, writing, talking, or teaching sex, I like to get outside climbing, cycling and camping. Unfortunately, British weather can make this a little difficult, so board games and a pub with a fire are also a good option.[RS1]
· What are the top 3 items on your bucket list?
To Visit Chernobyl
To travel down the Norwegian Fjords by kayak
To spend time working somewhere extremely remote (like the Antarctic)
· Who is your sexual role model?
To pin down one role model is tricky, but there are certainly lots of people I have huge respect for. For example, I really admire Dan Savage and how he uses rational thinking (rather than knee-jerk reaction) when delving into people’s unusual sexual experiences. I think a lot of people would automatically stigmatise and chastise these people, whereas he doesn’t. In terms of other scholars, the work of people like Katherine Frank is often quite astounding in its level of detail and insight, particularly regarding group sex. Then there is my academic mentor, Eric Anderson, who has guided me in my studies since my undergraduate degree and still provides a lot of wisdom.
· What is some bad advice you have heard people in our field give out?
If your partner is sexually interested in someone else, this means they no longer love you.
· At SHA our goal is to provide therapists & healthcare providers with high-quality sexuality training because they often receive little to no education in sexual health. What is the most important piece about sex that you want all providers to know? What you want them to incorporate into their practice?
Many people have and engage in a wide and varied range of sexual practices and interests. Just because a sexual interest is niche, or something you have not come across before, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a harmful practice or is a symptom of some other deficiency. Try not to project your own sexual ethics and preferences onto others and judge them for their difference.
New around here?
Check out all of our other trainings, programs, Certification program and community!
Trainings for everyone /Sexceptional Weekends,