Homosexuality as Deviant
Introduction
When a man and a woman engage in unprotected sexual intercourse, the end result tends to be life, as a child is born nine months later. Only once a man’s sperm reaches the eggs of a woman is this possible. Clearly, life and the existence of the human species as a whole is the product of sex between a man and a woman. The norm of reproduction then, is the aforementioned union between man and woman in heterosexual intercourse. Heterosexuality is viewed as the norm of most societies. This norm creates controversy regarding homosexuality, as it [homosexualism] is considered deviant and against societal norms. The topic of homosexuality is important and worth further investigation because it is surrounded by controversial issues such as gay marriages and families and its impact on society regarding the workplace, school and religion (Kafka, 2006). This paper will focus on the sociology of deviance as it pertains to male homosexuality. In addition, sociological theories on deviance will be incorporated, ultimately providing an analysis of the deviant behaviour.
Societal Norms & Opposing Views Sexual deviance is also known as homosexuality (Schotten, 2008). Homosexuality by definition is sexual attraction to a person of the same sex (Kafka, 2006). It is deemed deviant behaviour because it is not the norm of the dominant group in society. Such failure to conform to societal norms ultimately makes homosexuality deviant behaviour to those who are unsupportive of one’s non-heterosexual orientation. According to gay right opponents, “homosexuality cannot be natural, since the human species, like all species, is designed by nature to reproduce. Since same-sex partners cannot have children on their own, this argument follows that homosexuality cannot be natural” (Kafka, 2006). Accepting homosexuality poses is a vigorous threat to the stability of marriages as they exist now and those of the future. The concept of marriage includes the idea of a man and woman
When a man and a woman engage in unprotected sexual intercourse, the end result tends to be life, as a child is born nine months later. Only once a man’s sperm reaches the eggs of a woman is this possible. Clearly, life and the existence of the human species as a whole is the product of sex between a man and a woman. The norm of reproduction then, is the aforementioned union between man and woman in heterosexual intercourse. Heterosexuality is viewed as the norm of most societies. This norm creates controversy regarding homosexuality, as it [homosexualism] is considered deviant and against societal norms. The topic of homosexuality is important and worth further investigation because it is surrounded by controversial issues such as gay marriages and families and its impact on society regarding the workplace, school and religion (Kafka, 2006). This paper will focus on the sociology of deviance as it pertains to male homosexuality. In addition, sociological theories on deviance will be incorporated, ultimately providing an analysis of the deviant behaviour.
Societal Norms & Opposing Views Sexual deviance is also known as homosexuality (Schotten, 2008). Homosexuality by definition is sexual attraction to a person of the same sex (Kafka, 2006). It is deemed deviant behaviour because it is not the norm of the dominant group in society. Such failure to conform to societal norms ultimately makes homosexuality deviant behaviour to those who are unsupportive of one’s non-heterosexual orientation. According to gay right opponents, “homosexuality cannot be natural, since the human species, like all species, is designed by nature to reproduce. Since same-sex partners cannot have children on their own, this argument follows that homosexuality cannot be natural” (Kafka, 2006). Accepting homosexuality poses is a vigorous threat to the stability of marriages as they exist now and those of the future. The concept of marriage includes the idea of a man and woman
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