Critically Discuss the Different Perspectives on the Causes of Homosexuality. Which of These Perspectives Clearly Articulates the Aetiology of Homosexuality
Homosexuality has been a topic of much concern for debaters all over the world. Although the concept of homosexuality and the actions involved with it are not new and it has been practiced all over the world throughout various stages of our history. People still find it very hard to accept. Many people scorn upon the ideas and consider homosexuals to be freaks of nature. This cannot be further from the truth since it has been observed that many species of other animals, such as certain species of reindeer and dolphins, also exhibit homosexual behavior.
The writer will first define homosexuality, sexual orientation and further highlight the different perspectives on the causes of homosexuality. There have been many other studies that have pointed to other causes of homosexuality. Weiten (2002) states that one study believes that it is caused by intrauterine influences. Other studies suggest postnatal environment, choices made during development, or it is a learned behavior. These and more will be discussed deep. Weiten (2002) defined homosexuality as sexual interaction and / or romantic attraction between individuals of the same sex while Kasiyara and Chipandamira (2002) define homosexuality as sexual behaviour of one’s own sex. Homosexuals engage in sexual activity with members of the same sex over an extended period. Sometimes, homosexuals are referred to as gays (for men) and lesbians (for women), Kasayira and Chipandamira (2002). In modern use, the adjective homosexual is used for intimate relationships and/or sexual relations between people of the same sex, who may or may not identify themselves as gay or lesbian. Homosexuality, as an identifier, is usually contrasted with heterosexuality and bisexuality.
People often ask where homosexuality starts and whether or not there is a choice. Some psychologists agree that while we can choose to act on our feelings, sexual orientation is not considered to be a conscious choice, which can be voluntarily
The writer will first define homosexuality, sexual orientation and further highlight the different perspectives on the causes of homosexuality. There have been many other studies that have pointed to other causes of homosexuality. Weiten (2002) states that one study believes that it is caused by intrauterine influences. Other studies suggest postnatal environment, choices made during development, or it is a learned behavior. These and more will be discussed deep. Weiten (2002) defined homosexuality as sexual interaction and / or romantic attraction between individuals of the same sex while Kasiyara and Chipandamira (2002) define homosexuality as sexual behaviour of one’s own sex. Homosexuals engage in sexual activity with members of the same sex over an extended period. Sometimes, homosexuals are referred to as gays (for men) and lesbians (for women), Kasayira and Chipandamira (2002). In modern use, the adjective homosexual is used for intimate relationships and/or sexual relations between people of the same sex, who may or may not identify themselves as gay or lesbian. Homosexuality, as an identifier, is usually contrasted with heterosexuality and bisexuality.
People often ask where homosexuality starts and whether or not there is a choice. Some psychologists agree that while we can choose to act on our feelings, sexual orientation is not considered to be a conscious choice, which can be voluntarily
References: Douglas A, Bernstan T, Edward J, Roy Thomas K, Snull C (1988), Psychology, Boston, Beacon publishers Kasayira and Chipandamira (2002), Psychology of special populations, Harare, Zimbabwe Open University Pransky, M (2000, August) www.usq.sexual orientation/ retrieved March 14, 2011 Weiten W (2001) Psychology, Northern Illinois Universities press, Boston