Types of Human Sexuality - Essay Example

? Homosexuality No: Homosexuality Introduction The definition of homosexuality has been given by Lawrence J. Hatter who is the author of the book “changing Homosexuality in the Male”. According to this definition, people who are motivated and have some special erotic attractions towards the people of same sex in the adult age are homosexuals. Such people usually engage in obvious sexual relations with them” (Worthen, 2013). There are four basic circumstances influencing life of people towards homosexuality. These four factors are behavior, physical response, identity and lifestyle. Types of homosexuality are covered in this paper. Psychological theories have also been published basing on various causes of homosexuality. Biological theories show that it is inherent to some extend and controlling such issue is not an easy task. Different cultures portray different pictures of homosexuality. Some cultures permit it and few strongly condemn it basing on belief, religion and social settings of the people. There has been strong discrimination in different societies including US but with passage of time homosexuals and gay marriages are accepted by the people being wish of the society. Future of gay marriages and homosexuality is better than its past as most countries are on the verge to legalize these issues for satisfying people. Types of Homosexuality Emphasis has been laid to find out the scientific causes of homosexuality in the succeeding paragraphs. The first type is known as facultative and obligative homosexuality. The term “obligative” is a specific condition in which a person is paired with another person of same sex. Such individuals do not go for bisexual or heterosexual pairing. Facultative homosexuality is considered as a technical term for sexual orientation and activity with same sex. Similarly sexual activity with people of other sex is not excluded for such people. This sexual activity is termed as bisexuality. Thus, the physical sexual activity with same sex may be for sexual release or it may be when member of the opposite sex is not available. Example is sexual activity during imprisonment (Houston, 2013). The other type of homosexuality is termed as institutional homosexuality, which is further categorized as gender reversed and role specialized homosexuality. The example of institutional homosexuality in American native groups is berdache. In religious setting this is known as “two spirited”. Such sort of homosexuality is known as gender reversed homosexuality (Houston, 2013). Causes According to Baumeister (2001), the issue of sexuality lies at the center of human relationships. The question arises about what causes homosexuality. One gets number of answers like genes, personal choice, society, culture and environment of upbringing. In early 19th century, homosexuality was considered a moral failure and mental disorder. Rapid progress and research reached to conclusion that it is hormonal imbalance in which psychological and biological factors play important role (Pickering, 1997). Bancroft wrote an article that this is an area of human life where scientific objectives have little survival. Although, science may be used to know the causes of homosexuality. There are different views about homosexuality. Yet it is not confirmed either it is nature or natural. Richard Pillard is a researcher who said that homosexual, bisexual and heterosexual tendencies are outcome of biological diversity of humans. Genetics was taken as the basis of such diversity. Geist resist that biological factor is just influencing factor (Pickering, 1997). Hormonal factor was considered as the most convincing factor by researchers. Hormones may be effective in prenatal brain development. Different experiments were carried out on rats to analyze this behavior. Enough evidences could not be known to say that children taking birth are homosexuals. Hormonally treated pregnancies were also analyzed but children taking birth from such pregnancies may or may not develop homosexual behavior (Pickering, 1997). Studies were carried out to analyze brain cells for involvement of brain in homosexuality. Facts could not be established as samples had small quantity for exammination. Mostly homosexual men with abnormal hypothalamuses died while suffering from AIDS. Question remained unresolved that how anatomical area have impact on sexual behavior (Pickering, 1997). Genetic studies have been very fruitful in understanding the involvement of genetic factor in homosexuality. Genes of twins and elder brothers for male and female have been studied. Homosexual behavior in twins and female opposite sex twins has been observed by researchers (Pickering, 1997). Culture and family environment are the factors which may draw attention of a child towards homosexuality. Parent-child relationship is the main area of concern in this direction. Fathers who avoided their Childs had to face the indulgence of child in homosexual activities. Parental environment is the key in shaping morality of a child. Earlier, social pressure was a weapon which controlled expression of such sentiments freely in community. Now the situation has changed and people may express their feelings about homosexuality. However, one should be sure that all aspects are interlinked and play their role in making someone homosexual. Main causes of homosexuality are obvious include biological, cultural, psychological, social, cultural and environmental factors (Pickering, 1997). Psychological Theories Psychological factor like avoidance and deterioration in the father-son relations result in getting pleasure and satisfaction through homosexuality in a child. Therefore, genetic and other hormonal theories were condemned for being the basic cause to some extent. It is also known that biological factors do not play role in isolation. Social and psychological factors are equally important. Psychological theories have confirmed involvement of biological factors in homosexuality. In a study presented by Bruckner in Colombia University, opposite sex twins were experimented for knowing the psychological causes. Test results showed that male opposite sex twins had sex attraction. Male other sex twins without elder brothers reported more same sex attraction as compared to effect of older sisters. Analysis of the study had no confirmation of genetic or hormonal patterns. Study also confirmed the conceptual linkage between homosexuality and childhood gender nonconformity (CGN). This CGN is sort of a psychological disorder in which child shows the traits and characteristics of opposite sex (Burton, 2006). The prospective studies largely focus on “at risk” children. Psychological disorder is at the extreme end of the homosexual range in the studies. A study was published by “Green” in which 66 feminine boys and 56 control samples were tested. Resultantly, 75 percent of feminine boys showed homosexual attraction as compared to 4 percent in controls. In adulthood, the figure saw rise up to 63 percent in feminine boys been attracted to homosexuality (Burton, 2006). Another psychological theory is about “defensive detachment”. This theory is combination of modification and refinement of father-son classical psychology. In case of parents, it is the attempt of child to meet unmet same sex needs like love. This is also an endeavor to complete the gender identity deficits. Homosexual behavior is a trick to relieve shame. Generally, the fathers of homosexuals were counseled in this study to show love and care for sons. But fathers were emotionally reluctant to do this. Such fathers understood their role in wounding boyhood of their children but could not do much about repairing such wounds to avoid defensive detachment. Such adults remain in search of affection and love. In pubic age, such individuals are extensively exposed to homosexuality. Damaged father-son relationship is major cause of male homosexuality. Apart from this relation, the other factors contributing to homosexuality are the hostile elder brothers, affectionate or hostile mothers, abusive attitude with child, school harassment and attraction caused by counter gay culture (Burton, 2006). Biological Theory Brain, genes and hormones are studied for knowing biological causes of homosexuality. Initially, there was a little success in finding biological basis for homosexuality. Research mostly revolved around hormonal differences of heterosexuals and homosexuals. Later on, behavioral study reported that homosexuality is inherent in people. Study was carried out on gay men having a twin brother or adopted brother. Resultantly, 52 percent identical twins and nearly 11 percent adopted were confirmed as gays. Similarly, study on twin lesbian had almost the same results as of gay men. The identical twins showed more genetic connection. This study proved genetic tendency of homosexuality in human beings (Weiten, 2007). The recent study on large quantity of genetic cells also revealed that homosexuality is inherited which influences sexual orientation. Some theorists also believe that prenatal hormones or neurological developments carry the roots of homosexuality. Hormonal secretions during the prenatal development period may shape sexual development. it organizes the brain and shapes sexual orientation (Weiten, 2007). Cultural issues Different cultures and religions have different influence and perception about homosexuality. Gays in Jamaica face extreme threat of physical harm and imprisonment. On the other side, gays are not reluctant to advance towards marriage equality in different countries. Now, gays are not as threatened as they were previously. Church has been strongly opposing the homosexuality for centuries but homosexuality is gaining strength slowly and gradually (Homosexuals among different Cultures, 2013). Homosexual practices have number of varieties in different cultures. Studies show that it also varies from culture to culture. In past, it was fully neglected by few cultures and in few it was taken as an obligation. Homosexual behavior has also seen many changes with the passing time. In some cultures, homosexuality was so discouraged that it has disappeared in a century (Homosexuals among different Cultures, 2013). Talking about countries of Middle East, mostly countries are Muslim states and strictly follow religious teachings. Homosexuality is strongly prohibited in Islam being against the nature. The punishment for homosexual offence in Middle East is death penalty. The situation is different in US. Many Americans accept homosexuality. In few states, there is strong resistance in spreading it in the society. New Jersey and California has allowed gay marriages in both the states (Homosexuals among different Cultures, 2013). Discrimination There is a lot of discrimination about homosexuality in various countries but laws are being enacted to give them the status of a normal citizen. Therefore, the increasing acceptance of homosexuality in different societies is going to reduce discrimination. Mostly western countries are moving towards accepting homosexuality. Homosexuality is still taken as a sin and is forbidden by their God. People are changing their thoughts and now they don’t feel bad while working with them as such people are harmless to others (Slick, 2013). Societies have raised voices against firing homosexuals from job. Similarly, it is understood that sex with people of same gender is not perfect. Despite all the efforts, homosexuality in still widely condemned in Muslim and Christian states. Both religions strongly condemn such practices basing on the religious beliefs. Such people are not accepted by the parents, friends and families as homosexuality is considered mental disorder in many countries (Slick, 2013). Homosexual Behavior in Animals The recent studies confirm that homosexual behavior is more then what was previously thought to be there. Darwin’s theory predicts that more than 10 percent of animals of existing species have shown homosexual behavior. Firstly, survey was carried out and over 450 different animals’ species from the complete world were documented for homosexual practices. The different types of Penguins like Humboldt, king, Gentoo and some other penguins were also observed tangling their necks and vocalizing at one another. The male Giraffes have also been observed rubbing their necks against each other at different places in the world. Despite presence of females, the ignoring attitude reflects homosexual behavior. Lizard is another example which copulates with both the genders like male and females. This evidence confirms that homosexuality has got something to do with genes and mind (Fereydooni, 2012). Biologist Nathan of California University had close observation of same sex behavior. The study showed certain benefits of such behavior. Female-female pairing has increased fitness as population of males is less than females. Thus, overdependence on males is reduced and care for offspring is increased. This strengthens social bondage and reduces the competition (Fereydooni, 2012). Conclusion Homosexuality is a complex term which incorporates huge amount of social, psychological, mental, biological and many other segments of life. This behavioral tendency in animals indicates it as cultural and inherent issue. Extreme discrimination could not do much to reduce it. Different countries of the world are losing their grip on controlling homosexuality. Gay marriages have become a normal practice in various western countries. Various rules and legislations are in the process of formulation which would ultimately give rights to homosexuals to lead fearless life. Trend is going to change in future and religions like Christianity and Islam will not be able to force people to remain away from homosexuality. References Baumeister, R. F. (Ed.). (2001). Social Psychology and Human Sexuality: Essential Readings. Psychology Press. Burton, S. (2006). The causes of homosexuality: What science tells us. Also available at http://www.jubilee-centre.org/uploaded/files/resource_292.pdf [Accessed: 6 December 2013]. Fereydooni, A. (2012). Do Animals Exhibit Homosexuality?. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.yalescientific.org/2012/03/do-animals-exhibit-homosexuality/ [Accessed: 8 Dec 2013]. Homosexuals among different Cultures. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.public.iastate.edu/~wentingz/Homosexuals%20among%20different%20Cultures.html [Accessed: 7 Dec 2013]. Houston, L. (2013). Chapter Four: Types of Homosexualities. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.banap.net/spip.php?article94 [Accessed: 7 Dec 2013]. Pickering, R. (1997). Homosexuality - the causes.... [online] Retrieved from: https://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=630 [Accessed: 6 Dec 2013]. Slick, M. (2013). Condemning Homosexuality is practicing discrimination and this is wrong. [online] Retrieved from: http://carm.org/discrimation-homosexual-wrong [Accessed: 7 Dec 2013]. Weiten, W. (2007). Psychology: Themes and variations. Cengage Learning. Worthen, F. (2013). What Is Homosexuality?. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.freeministry.org/h/articles/worthen2.htm [Accessed: 8 Dec 2013]. Read More