Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Homosexuality
Historical and Scientific Perspectives on HomosexualityRunning head: PERSPECTIVES ON HOMOSEXUALITY
Assignment: Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Homosexuality 1
YOUR NAME
PSY/265
DATE
NAME OF PROFESSOR
Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Homosexuality According to the text, homosexuals are considered to be individuals who are romantically and sexually attracted to members of the same sex (Nevid, Rathus & Fichner-Rathus, 2005). Historically, there have been numerous controversies in regard to homosexuality. Many people have deemed homosexuality as a natural facet of life while others consider it to be an abomination. Homosexuals have always been ill-fated and looked down upon. However, homosexuals have been one of the most stable minorities in terms of continuity. There have been both scientific and historical influences have played a strong role in regard to how homosexuals view themselves in addition to how popular culture views them. This paper will provide further details in regard to these scientific and historical influences. Western culture has been a significant factor when it comes to the history of homosexuality. In this culture, male homosexuality has always been more acknowledged in comparison to female homosexuality. Men have historically been deemed as a more advanced gender when compared to women (Whitehead, 2010). Nonetheless, it was not uncommon for Roman men to take on a feminine identity and act as such (Nevid, Rathus, et al., 2005). Once the Roman Empire fell, Christianity started to become more influential in this capacity and homosexuality was condemned. This has endured throughout the years and has fashioned various societal norms. This influence is especially prevalent today. As such, many homosexuals refrain from acting as masculine or feminine as they would like to be. An additional perspective that has influenced the way in which homosexuals perceive themselves pertains to scientific factors.
Assignment: Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Homosexuality 1
YOUR NAME
PSY/265
DATE
NAME OF PROFESSOR
Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Homosexuality According to the text, homosexuals are considered to be individuals who are romantically and sexually attracted to members of the same sex (Nevid, Rathus & Fichner-Rathus, 2005). Historically, there have been numerous controversies in regard to homosexuality. Many people have deemed homosexuality as a natural facet of life while others consider it to be an abomination. Homosexuals have always been ill-fated and looked down upon. However, homosexuals have been one of the most stable minorities in terms of continuity. There have been both scientific and historical influences have played a strong role in regard to how homosexuals view themselves in addition to how popular culture views them. This paper will provide further details in regard to these scientific and historical influences. Western culture has been a significant factor when it comes to the history of homosexuality. In this culture, male homosexuality has always been more acknowledged in comparison to female homosexuality. Men have historically been deemed as a more advanced gender when compared to women (Whitehead, 2010). Nonetheless, it was not uncommon for Roman men to take on a feminine identity and act as such (Nevid, Rathus, et al., 2005). Once the Roman Empire fell, Christianity started to become more influential in this capacity and homosexuality was condemned. This has endured throughout the years and has fashioned various societal norms. This influence is especially prevalent today. As such, many homosexuals refrain from acting as masculine or feminine as they would like to be. An additional perspective that has influenced the way in which homosexuals perceive themselves pertains to scientific factors.
References: Rathus, S. A., Nevid, J. S., and Fichner-Rathus, L. (2005). Human sexuality in a world of diversity. (6th ed.) Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. Whitehead, A. (2010). Sacred rites and civil rights: religion 's effect on attitudes toward same-sex unions and the perceived cause of homosexuality. Social Science Quarterly (Blackwell Publishing Limited), 91(1), 63-79. doi:10.1111/j.1540-6237.2010.00681.x.