...Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Homosexuality Alton Masters Psy/265 – Psychology of Human Sexuality June 7, 2013 Professor Belden This paper is all about the historical and scientific perspectives on homosexuality. In this essay we will be discussing the historical, biological, and psychological perspectives on homosexuality. We will also go over the impact that these perspectives may have had on the way homosexuals perceive themselves. Also included will be an analysis of the experiences of coming out and adjusting as a gay individual. Lastly we will talk about how these historical, biological, and psychological perspectives have impacted mine own sexual orientation and how they have shaped the way I view homosexuality. Historical Perspectives on Homosexuality Homosexuality, be it gay or lesbian, has existed throughout history. There have been many different attitudes towards homosexuality including tolerance in some societies, open encouragement in others, but in most societies this behavior has been condemned. While homosexuality has mostly been condemned, this was not always the case. A couple of examples are the ancient Greece and Rome. In Greece is was common for established males to form sexual relationships with adolescent males at about eh age of the adolescents growing their first beard. “Romans described highly feminine gay men who dressed flamboyantly, had showy hair styles and mannerisms, and cruised certain neighborhoods, searching for partners...
Words: 1381 - Pages: 6
...There are many different perspectives on gay male and lesbian sexual orientations. Gay male and lesbian sexual orientation is commonly referred to as being homosexual. A homosexual is a male and or female that is attracted to the same sex. Homosexuality is the term used to define sexual orientation of homosexuals that engage in sexual activities with the same sexes. Homosexuality is widespread throughout history including the past, present, and future generations and varies widely amongst societies and cultural acceptances. In some cultures and religions homosexuality is accepted and tolerated. Whereas, in other cultures and religions it is found to being condemning and dirty. Some even think of the individual as being in a sick state of mind. It is because of these different historical and scientific perspectives that are being placed on homosexuals minds are what shape their perceptions of themselves. In historical perspectives western cultures have never censured any sexual practices or orientations more than the male and male and female and female orientations. The sexual behaviors have varied per religion and past cultures of what is accepted and what is not. In ancient Greece it was common and accepted for males to have sexual relationships with other males, sometimes even boys. It was thought as soon as the young man grew a beard it was time to start the male-male sexual behavior. Greek vases displaced artwork of men having sexual relations to boys by placing their...
Words: 1154 - Pages: 5
...Historical and Scientific Perspective on Homosexuality Homosexuality is a topic that has been mentioned throughout history and scientific research. In certain societies throughout history, homosexuality was a practiced concept and it was embraced whole-heartedly. In other societies, it was highly frowned upon and laws were created just for anyone who was homosexual. That does not mean that researchers have not found reasons behind why one person is homosexual and another is not. One such time frame that did not have any problems with homosexuality was the period of ancient Greece. It was quite common within that society for older gentlemen to enter into relationships with younger males. There was even artwork that depicted acts of sexual activities being conducting between older men and younger boys. It is true that historians do not know everything that happened in ancient Greece involving homosexuality. All we do know is that there is enough proof to show that it was an accepted act in that time frame. Further down the line of history, Romans and the Christian Church began to see homosexuality in a negative light. Romans describe them as “highly feminine gay men who dressed flamboyantly, had showy hair styles and mannerisms, and cruised certain neighborhoods, searching for partners” (Rathus, Nevid, Fichner-Rathus, 2005). Fifteenth century Florence was another such time frame that had an issue with homosexuals. An organization known as the Office of the Night was created...
Words: 759 - Pages: 4
...Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Homosexuality May 25, 2014 PSY/265 Dr. Matiko Bivins Historical and scientific perspectives on homosexuality may have shaped the way gay indivuals perceive themselves. Some that are homosexual may be confused especially if they have a member of their family that tells them that they are sick and this isn’t how they are supposed to be. Scientific perspectives that people have can be confusing because they might not understand why people see them differently because they have feeling for the same sex. Their feeling of liking or loving the same sex, and seeing someone with the same organs and being stimulated by it. In everyday society homosexuals are starting to accept themselves more and once peoples perspectives around them change it gets more comfortable for them. In ancient Greece, established men formed sexual relationships with adolescent males at about the age when they first grow a beard Raghu’s ,Envied , and Fichner-Rathus,(2005).The main sexual activity was the older male inserted his penis between the younger male thighs until he ejaculates. This isn’t someone coming out that they are gay, for me this is forced by a culture. It is amazing to see how different each religion and culture is Rathus ,Nevid , and Fichner-Rathus,(2005). Especially one like ancient Greece younger male not even having a choice of what they are interested in.Everone should have a choice...
Words: 930 - Pages: 4
...I think that the historical and scientific perspectives in the text have been shaped in a way that gay individuals may think of themselves in that if they give these types of individuals’ different views people might view the way they look at gay people and their lifestyle. In the past it was hard and very keep secrets in some countries but others embraced it. In some countries male to male relationships were normal because it was part of becoming a man. The cross-cultural perspective is one perspective that provides to gay individuals the perspectives for different cultures and the way that they view the gay sexual orientation. Some different cultures view between two individuals of the same sex is immortal, while other cultures believe that it is normal for two people of the same sex to have intimate relationships. Biological perspectives also has an effect and shape the way homosexual individuals see themselves because based on evolution, genetics, and hormonal perspectives. Homosexual individuals may look at their sexual orientation and believe that their sexual orientation is because of the way that evolution has occurred. Genetically they might assume that they were made that way because they inherited their sexual preference when they were born. Testosterone the male hormone is what drives a male to be attracted sexually to a female. If a man with a lower level of testosterone might be more attracted to a male rather than being more attracted to a female, which might be...
Words: 806 - Pages: 4
...Erica Sampson Eating Disorders BEH/225 4/19/2015 I would say for the most we all love food. For some of us it shows more than others. I am always thinking about food. I have a desk job, so I am more prone to eat all the time. Until about two weeks ago, I decided to go on a health kick. I wanted to start to eat better and not junk food. Our bodies also need food, even though we may not need it sometimes. There are two types of factors for motivation for hunger; biological and psychological. Biological Hunger is when your stomach feels stuffed and don’t feel hungry. And when you are hungry and your stomach is empty you want to go want to go and eat something. Researchers believe that hunger comes from not only your stomach, but your brain as well. There are two areas on the hypothalamus that control hunger. First, there is the lateral hypothalamus that, if stimulated, causes you to feel hunger. So every time you feel hungry, you know your lateral hypothalamus is working. Next there is the ventromedial hypothalamus, which when stimulated, makes you feel full. Whenever you eat a big meal and don't even want to think about eating another bite, the ventromedial hypothalamus is doing its job. The hypothalamus tells us to stop eating when that set point is reached and raises our metabolic rate to burn any excess food. Psychological Hunger is when we still are eating, because or hypothalamus is not sending us any cues. Culture...
Words: 728 - Pages: 3
...Erica Sampson Eating Disorders BEH/225 4/19/2015 I would say for the most we all love food. For some of us it shows more than others. I am always thinking about food. I have a desk job, so I am more prone to eat all the time. Until about two weeks ago, I decided to go on a health kick. I wanted to start to eat better and not junk food. Our bodies also need food, even though we may not need it sometimes. There are two types of factors for motivation for hunger; biological and psychological. Biological Hunger is when your stomach feels stuffed and don’t feel hungry. And when you are hungry and your stomach is empty you want to go want to go and eat something. Researchers believe that hunger comes from not only your stomach, but your brain as well. There are two areas on the hypothalamus that control hunger. First, there is the lateral hypothalamus that, if stimulated, causes you to feel hunger. So every time you feel hungry, you know your lateral hypothalamus is working. Next there is the ventromedial hypothalamus, which when stimulated, makes you feel full. Whenever you eat a big meal and don't even want to think about eating another bite, the ventromedial hypothalamus is doing its job. The hypothalamus tells us to stop eating when that set point is reached and raises our metabolic rate to burn any excess food. Psychological Hunger is when we still are eating, because or hypothalamus is not sending us any cues. Culture...
Words: 728 - Pages: 3
...I was taught, and usually examined the actions of others to base my own decisions. I listened to the experiences and opinions of others who had waited to have sex or had sex before marriage. I used critical thinking when making my decisions, but was always cautious about drawing any kind of conclusions on what was right or wrong. I also considered the alternative, not having sex. I have to be honest, everyone else was having sex and I wanted to experience for myself. Having sex was actually a big deal for me, just like most teenagers. I have to be honest though, I wish I would have waited. I believe this is normal for most people. Scientific and historical perspectives have helped me form my opinions of numerous opinions. For example, in Ancient Greece was common and acceptable for men to have sexual relationships with adolescent boys. Homosexuality was more acceptable, and the historic...
Words: 1400 - Pages: 6
...“Our value systems—our sexual standards—have many sources: parents, peers, religious training, ethnic subcultures, the larger culture, and our appraisal of all these influences” (Rathus et al., 2005, p. 5-6). Prior to this course, I legalism to form my values on sexual experiences. I was raised to believe that sex before marriage was wrong. I grew to use the situational ethics approach when I became an adult and I still use that value system after the course. Legalism refers to the approach that formulates a value system based on moral law (Rathus et al., 2005, p. 5-6). Situational ethics refers to basing decision-making on the situation at hand. Critical thinking plays a role in my sexual decision making. To be more specific, I used the principles of critical thinking when I lost my virginity at the age of 18. Prior to turning 18, I was taught that it was wrong to have sex before marriage. Even though I was taught that, I did not actually believe it. I was skeptical of what I was taught, so I examined other individuals’ experiences and also examined the assumptions that I would be wrong if I had sex before marriage. I listened to stories of people who waited and listened to stories of people who did not wait until marriage. Then I was cautious in drawing any kind of conclusions that it was wrong or right. I considered the alternative of not having sex before marriage and it did not appeal to me because I wanted to experience sex. After all, everyone else was doing...
Words: 1722 - Pages: 7
...Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Homosexuality PSY/265 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN SEXUALITY 10/14/2012 Petar Sardelich Historical and scientific perspectives on homosexuality have had such an impact on societies and their people all around the world, that some people have taken their own life to avoid admitting that they are homosexual. Homosexuality has its own unique history through the ages. These views varied from acceptance, to deviance, to illegal, to an abomination according to the bible and religious beliefs, to partially accepted, to individual choice, to scientific findings pointing to genetic differences. I don’t know that any other subject has any rival that has such a vast history. Because of these different views and beliefs, “homosexual people, like heterosexual people, struggle to incorporate their sexuality within their personal identity, to find lovers, and to establish satisfying lifestyles. In fact, gay marriages are now permitted in a number of states. Unlike heterosexual people, gay people in our culture face a backdrop of social intolerance, even if they commit themselves to long-term relationships”, (University of Phoenix, Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity)...
Words: 1041 - Pages: 5
...Throughout the ages, our society has documented homosexuality. Within our culture, homosexuality has been largely condemned. In looking at the historical perspective of homosexuality, the responses were different with each society that was dealing with it. The Greeks were okay with it due to their belief that some of their mythical gods were engaging in homosexual behavior. Christianity denounced those sexual associations and made their belief and intentions clear that this behavior was not to continue. The legal system became intertwined with the Christian belief that homosexuality was sinful and would punish inappropriate sex acts as criminal offenses (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2005). Heritage is another perspective to consider. Traditionally, in many cultures, there are specific roles for men and women. When family is the "primary social unit" as we find in the Latin American culture, anything outside of the designed gender roles are not acceptable (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2005). Interestingly enough, men can be sexual with other males without being considered gay (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2005). However, women cannot be sexual with other females as these are seen as a threat to the traditional male dominance in this culture. Women are also expected to be virgins when they marry, therefore, any sexual acts before marriage are prohibited. Specific gender roles in many cultures around the world lay the basis for what is consider correct and incorrect...
Words: 821 - Pages: 4
...Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Michael Anson Psy 410 Richard Hill February 28, 2013 Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Abnormal psychology, also known as psychopathology, studies different behaviors against what society deems normal. The study of abnormal psychology attempts to answer why some people’s behaviors are unusual, different, or abnormal. For some, abnormal behavior is due to mental illness, childhood trauma, or chemical imbalances in the brain. Because abnormal psychology has no definite boundaries, it is often a controversial field of psychology. It is an ever-changing field for the last 100 years, but several core concepts remain unchanged in abnormal psychology. Evolution of Abnormal Psychology The core concepts of abnormal psychology that caused the field to evolve into a scientific discipline are: the importance of context in defining abnormality; the continuum between normal and abnormal behavior; cultural and historical relativism in classifying abnormality; diagnosis advantages and limitations; principle of multiple causality; and the mind-body connection (Hansell, 2008). Context is important to understand abnormal behavior. An otherwise normal behavior becomes abnormal when the behavior is out of context. For example, sadness and grieving are normal behaviors when a loved one dies. Sadness and grieving; however, are abnormal if a person displays these behaviors when there is no reason such as death or other painful...
Words: 783 - Pages: 4
...and social factors. One of the main goals of this course has been to offer the opportunity to reflect on your own sexuality. For your final personal response, address the following course topics as they are, related to your own life. • Describe the value system you most identified with in your sexual decision making before this course. Also describe how you used critical thinking in sexual decision making before this course. How has completing this course altered or not altered your value system related to sexuality? Has there been a change in the role of critical thinking in your sexual decision making? Explain your answer. • Describe how the physical and social aspects of your world, along with prevalent historical and scientific perspectives, have affected life with your sexual orientation. • Analyze the development of your gender identity in relation to the physical and social world around you. Relate yourself to the masculinity-femininity continuum. • Analyze what has characterized your relationships. What aspects of attraction have been important to you? What style or styles of love have pervaded your romantic experiences? • Choose one additional topic from the course not covered above (such as contraception, sexual dysfunctions, paraphilias, and communication techniques that improve relationships) and discuss how it affects your life. Be sure to include examples. Final Project Timeline You should budget your time wisely and work...
Words: 513 - Pages: 3
...Comparing and Contrasting Essentialist Approaches to Social Psychology with Social Constructionist Approaches to Social Psychology. A widely recognised definition of social psychology is “an effort to understand and explain how the thought, feeling, and behaviour of individuals are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others” (Allport, 1985). However, how to measure this, the research methods to be used and what constitutes useful evidence has caused much debate in the history of social psychology. This essay will compare and contrast the two epistemologies of essentialist and social constructionist approaches to social psychology and the research methods of quantitative and qualitative used in each approach. Essentialists’ view of the world is that the properties possessed by a group are universal in that group and do not depend on context. However, a member of a group may possess other characteristics that are not required to include it as a group member but, it must not have characteristics that preclude it from being a member of the group (Burr, 1995). For example, essentialists believe that personality consists of a number of traits and personality of an individual is established by the level of each of these traits. Essentialists also believe that these traits remain more or less stable over time and it is our personality that influences behaviour (Maltby, 2010). As essentialists are able to classify groups as such, they use quantitative research...
Words: 3936 - Pages: 16
...Homosexuality From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This article is about homosexuality in humans. For homosexuality in other animals, see Homosexual behavior in animals. Sexual orientation Male and female symbols overlaid Sexual orientations Asexual Bisexual Heterosexual Homosexual Non-binary categories Androphilia and gynephilia Non-heterosexual Pansexuality Polysexuality Queer Research Biological Human female sexuality Human male sexuality Demographics Environment Hetero/homosexual continuum Kinsey scale Klein Grid Neuroscientific Queer studies Sexology Timeline of sexual orientation and medicine Non-human animals Animal sexual behaviour Non-reproductive sexual behavior in animals Homosexual behavior in animals (list) Category Category v t e Part of a series on Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people LGBT flag Sexual orientation Homosexuality Demographics Biology Environment History LGBT history Timeline Social movements Culture LGBT community Coming out Pride Slang Symbols Gay village Rights Laws around the world Marriage Union Adoption LGBT parenting Military service Legal aspects of transgenderism Intersex human rights Social attitudes Heteronormativity LGBT stereotypes Queer Religion and homosexuality Religion and transgender Prejudice / Violence AIDS stigma Anti-intersex Biphobia Genderism Heterosexism Homophobia Lesbophobia Binarism Sexualism Suicide among LGBT youth Transphobia Violence against LGBT people LGBT trafficking ...
Words: 12671 - Pages: 51
