Components of Sexual Orientation-
-sexual identity (sense of self)
-sexual lifestyle (role in society)
Dichotomous Categories Model Outcome-
-heterosexual or homosexual
Continuum Model Outcome-
-homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality
Vectors Model Outcome-
-heterosexuality (high on heteroerotic, low on homoerotic)
-homosexuality (low on hetererotic, high on homoerotic)
-bisexuality (high on heteroerotic, high on homoerotic)
-asexuality (low on heteroerotic, low on homoerotic)
Dimensions Model Outcome-
-scales compile for profile of person:
-erotic attraction (homoerotic, heteroerotic)
-emotional attachment (homophilic, heterophilic)
-sexual behavior (homosexual, heterosexual)
-sexual identity
-sexual role in society
-cognitive schema (mindset)
Ambisexuality-
-sex acts involving partners who could be both male and/or female
-sex acts between heterosexuals
-sex acts between homosexuals of opposite gender
Pattern of Same-Sex Sexual Behavior in the U.S.-
-monosexual (one partner through life)
-hierarchical hetero-dominant (hetero’s have advantages in society)
-peer (transgenerational) (sex between same aged people)
-gender-conforming (dominant males can be with dominant males)
-contramarital (people don’t marry and set up informal sex)
-fluid role (both partners engage in all aspects of sex)
Same-Sex Sexual Behavior vs. Homosexual Role-
-same-sex behavior occurs in almost all human cultures; homosexuality as a distinct social role occurs in some
-cultures with sequential or concurrent ambisexuality may not recognize a separate homosexual role
-in dichotomous monosexuality cultures self and social homosexual identity emerges
Patterns of Same-Sex Behavior-
-tremendous variability throughout cultures
-cultural expectations, sanctions shape the lifestyle associated with same-sex behavior
Social Value of Same-Sex Behavior-
-tremendous variability throughout cultures with regard to sanctions on same-sex activity
-special/inferior social status does not typically accompany same-sex sexual behavior
-36% of cultures are neutral to negative, 64% of cultures are neutral to positive
Incorrect Assumptions Surrounding Bisexuality-
-a phase of development leading to homosexuality or heterosexuality
-denial of homosexuality
-attachment disorder
Monosexism-
-prejudice from both heterosexuals and homosexuals toward bisexuals
-assumption that there are only 2 “real” sexual orientations
Gays/Lesbians Hate Crimes-
-four times more likely then heterosexuals, men more likely than women
Factors Causing Homosexuality-
-genetics
-fetal environment
-gender role socialization
-parental attachment
-peer sexual experience
-childhood sexual abuse
Explanations for Continuance of Same-Sex Behavior Traits-
-biodiversity
-balanced polymorphism
-kin/parental selection
-indirect adaptive advantages
-male femininity
Nuclei in the Hypothalamus-
-differing size brings different sexual behaviors
-INAH (interstitial hypothalamus) 3 is double the size in heterosexual men compared to homosexual men
Possible Differences in Straight and Gay Male Brains-
-genetic instruction (possible gene on X chromosome)
-prenatal environment (fetal or maternal hormones or other factors)
-postnatal environment (pubertal hormones or other factors)
Pheromones in Homosexuals-
-gay males and straight females process a testosterone-derivative odor found in male sweat in the hypothalamus but do not process estrogen-metabolite odor found in female urine in the hypothalamus
-lesbians process both of the above
Genetics in Homosexuals-
-predict 48-75% genetic influence on sexual orientation
-genes probably play some role in same-sex attraction
Luteinizing Hormone in Homosexual Males-
-homosexual males have surge levels in between heterosexual males (low) and females (high)
-side note: female fetuses exposed to androgens have higher rates of lesbian sexual identity
Male Birth Order Effect-
-each additional older brother adds 33% odds of homosexuality to newborn brother
Bem Model Theory-
-child is born with a predisposition for gender-typical activities
-child’s preference puts them with same-gender children
-as time passes opposite gender becomes exotic from loss of familiarity
-puberty brings rush of hormones that causes exotic to become erotic
-for gay people they simply have a predisposition for the wrong gender activities
-this is only for a small percentage of gays
