Review Of "Sexual Preference: Its Development In Men And Women" By A. P. Bell (original) (raw)
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University of Canterbury, 1990
This study was intended to assess the effects of sex and sexual orientation on measures of liking and loving for partner and on responses to some general questions regarding homosexual relationships. It was also intended to establish whether gender is a significant determinant of attitudes toward homosexuals in general, and toward homosexuals of one's own sex, in particular. The final objective was to discover if there is any relationship between attitudes toward women and attitudes toward homosexuals. A total of one hundred subjects was employed (fifty homosexual and fifty heterosexual males and females) to examine these factors. Relationship dynamics were examined using Rubin's (1973) "Liking and Loving scales" and attitudes were measured using the "Heterosexual Attitudes Toward Homosexuals Scale" (Larsen, Reed and Hoffman, 1980), and the "Attitudes Toward Women Scale" (Spence, Helmreich and Stapp, 1973). Four additional questions were asked in an effo1t to gain some general information about attitudes toward homosexuals. The results on the whole were favourable and were mainly consistent with the hypotheses. The first and third hypotheses were wholly supported by the results. The findings with regard to hypothesis two were a little less conclusive, with a significant main effect being gained and a non significant interaction effect. Conclusions were made to the effect that homosexual and heterosexual relationships are remarkably similar and responses to the general questions implied that heterosexuals may slowly be coming to this realisation. Consistent with expectations gender was found to be a powerful predictor of attitudes (with males showing greater rejection of homosexuals than females), but the hypothesis that heterosexuals would be more rejecting of homosexuals of their own sex was not supported. Scores on the two attitude measures were highly correlated as predicted, therefore it was concluded that attitudes toward women and attitudes toward homosexuals are highly related.
Social Representations of Homosexuality During the Childhood of Gay Men
Social Representations of Homosexuality During the Childhood of Gay Men, 2024
This work is the result of research and aims to investigate the social representations that gay people have regarding homosexuality, in this case referred to since childhood; For this purpose, a semi-structured interview of 9 questions was developed based on stage 1 of Cass's model (1979), which involves childhood memories, considering SR as a system of values, notions and practices, a network of concepts, images and knowledge. It was applied to 15 self-identified gay men between 21 and 55 years of age, Mexican inhabitants of the state of Coahuila. A content analysis of each subject's interview responses was carried out on the data obtained through the semi-structured interview, which allowed categories and frequencies to be established.
Male Homosexual Preference: Where, When, Why?
PLOS ONE, 2015
Male homosexual preference (MHP) has long been of interest to scholars studying the evolution of human sexuality. Indeed, MHP is partially heritable, induces a reproductive cost and is common. MHP has thus been considered a Darwinian paradox. Several questions arise when MHP is considered in an evolutionary context. At what point did MHP appear in the human evolutionary history? Is MHP present in all human groups? How has MHP evolved, given that MHP is a reproductively costly trait? These questions were addressed here, using data from the anthropological and archaeological literature. Our detailed analysis of the available data challenges the common view of MHP being a "virtually universal" trait present in humans since prehistory. The conditions under which it is possible to affirm that MHP was present in past societies are discussed. Furthermore, using anthropological reports, the presence or absence of MHP was documented for 107 societies, allowing us to conclude that evidence of the absence of MHP is available for some societies. A recent evolutionary hypothesis has argued that social stratification together with hypergyny (the hypergyny hypothesis) are necessary conditions for the evolution of MHP. Here, the link between the level of stratification and the probability of observing MHP was tested using an unprecedented large dataset. Furthermore, the test was performed for the first time by controlling for the phylogenetic non-independence between societies. A positive relationship was observed between the level of social stratification and the probability of observing MHP, supporting the hypergyny hypothesis.
Homosexual orientation in males: Evolutionary and ethological aspects
Neuroendocrinology …, 2001
Evolutionary theory proposes that adaptive traits are reproduced more successfully than maladaptive traits. Accordingly, natural selection should favor heterosexuality as it facilitates reproduction and the propagation of genes. However, the question becomes, what has maintained homosexuality in a small but consistent percentage of the human population? Research into the evolutionary and hormonal factors associated with a homosexual orientation have yielded provocative but inconsistent results. It also suggests that human sexual orientation, and in particular homosexual orientation, is too complex to be described by one simple model or a single research discipline. The current paper treads a new path and emphasizes an integrative approach for the understanding of homosexuality. The authors examine the combined effects of evolutionary factors and neurohormonal processes on the development of a homosexual orientation. It is suggested that research into the topic could benefi t from an examination of and change in some of the assumptions upon which much past research has been based.
Formation of homosexual orientation of men in adolescence
Polish Psychological Bulletin, 2014
The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of homosexual men connected with the formation of their sexual orientation in adolescence. A comparative study of 27 young adult homosexual men and 28 heterosexual men of similar age used a categorised interview questionnaire consisting of two parts: the first with questions regarding sexual dreams, fantasies and erotic encounters; the second with questions on family and social circumstances.The study yielded an abundance of interesting data on the psychological circumstances of homosexual men during the formation of sexual orientation and its awareness as well as differences and similarities in that area between homosexual and heterosexual men. For instance, it revealed experience patterns concerning the formation of sexual identity and personal attitudes toward one’s sexual orientation characteristic of homosexual persons. The study verified the main hypothesis that mental-internal experiences precede behavioural-external ones bo...
In this dissertation I investigate how individuals group others into sexual orientation (SO) categories based on a target’s known sexual behaviors and romantic interests. I hypothesize that individuals known to have any non-heterosexual sexual or romantic interests are more likely to be perceived as “gay” (and not “straight”) even when there is clear evidence of heterosexual interests and behaviors as well. This phenomenon has been termed “heterosexual exclusivity” in this work. In the process, I examine relevant writings and research on SO, including works related to SO in history, the conceptualization and measurement of SO, determinants of and influences on SO, the essentialism and social constructionism debate with regard to SO, innate bisexuality, and bisexual erasure. Additionally, I give specific focus to how and why men are affected by, as well as perpetuate heterosexual exclusivity. In doing so, I examine writings and research on the role and construction of masculinity as well as homophobia and the overlap of the two. I hypothesize that adherence to traditional masculinity and increased homophobia are predictive of increased heterosexual exclusivity in men. I also hypothesize that men are more likely to be the primary agents and targets of heterosexual. The results supported most of these hypotheses.
Journal of Biosocial Science, 2010
Ten narrative studies involving family histories of 262 children of gay fathers and lesbian mothers were evaluated statistically in response to concerns about research that had involved three narrative studies. Despite numerous attempts to bias the results in favour of the null hypothesis and allowing for up to 20 (of 63, 32%) coding errors, hypothesis that gay and lesbian parents would be more likely to have gay, lesbian, bisexual or unsure (of sexual orientation) sons and daughters was confirmed. Percentages of children of gay and lesbian parents who adopted non-heterosexual identities ranged between 16% and 57%, with odds ratios of 1.7 to 12.1, depending on the mix of child and parent genders. Daughters of lesbian mothers were most likely (33% to 57%; odds ratios from 4.5 to 12.1) to report non-heterosexual identities. Data from ethnographic sources and from previous studies on gay and lesbian parenting were re-examined and found to support the hypothesis that social and parental influences may influence the expression of nonheterosexual identities and/or behaviour. Thus, evidence is presented from three different sources, contrary to most previous scientific opinion, even most previous scientific consensus, that suggests intergenerational transfer of sexual orientation can occur at statistically significant and substantial rates, especially for female parents or female children. In some analyses for sons, intergenerational transfer was not significant. Further research is needed with respect to pathways by which intergenerational transfer of sexual orientation may occur. The results confirm an evolving tendency among scholars to cite the possibility of some degree of intergenerational crossover of sexual orientation.
Journal of Homosexuality, 2007
Homosexuality is viewed by many as a social problem. As such, there is a keen interest in elucidating the origins of homosexuality among many scholars, from anthropologists to zoologists, from psychologists to theologians. Research has shown that those who believe sexual orientation is inborn are more likely to have tolerant attitudes toward gay men and lesbians, whereas those who believe it is a choice have less tolerant attitudes. The current qualitative study used in-depth, open-ended telephone interviews with 42 White and 44 Black Americans to gain insight into the public's beliefs about the possible genetic origins of homosexuality. Along with etiological beliefs (and the sources of information used to develop these beliefs), we asked respondents to describe the benefits and dangers of scientists discovering the possible genetic basis for homosexuality. We found that although limited understanding and biased perspectives likely led to simplistic reasoning concerning the origins and genetic basis of homosexuality, many individuals appreciated the complex and interactive etiological perspectives. These interactive perspectives often included recognition of some type of inherent aspect, such as a genetic factor(s), that served as an underlying predisposition that would be manifested after being influenced by other factors such as choice or environmental exposures. We also found that beliefs in a genetic basis for homosexuality could be used to support very diverse opinions including those in accordance with negative eugenic agendas.