Social Deviance
Chapter 12: Gays, Lesbians, and Homophobia
Chapter Goals
Understand homosexuality as a form of deviance Learn ideas related to becoming a homosexual Be able to describe aspects of lesbianism Understand aspects of transvestitism Understand the AIDS impact on homosexuality
Homosexuality
The term homosexuality became popular in 1869 when Benkert defined it as A failure to achieve "normal erection" during contact with a member of the opposite sex. However, this definition was rejected by professional literature because it excludes alternative criteria's such as love (homophilic) and attraction (homogenic). A sociologist identifies a true homosexual as any adult who regards himself or herself as a homosexual and who willingly acknowledges the label before another person. Historically, attitudes towards homosexuality have varied, ex. not deviant for Ancient Greeks. Society labels homosexuality as deviant by initiating and reinforcing sexual norms Homosexual behavior is not inherently deviant but becomes so as a result of a purposive social process. Critics of homosexual behaviors mainly advocate religions prohibitions. Homophobia refers to a fear and dislike of lesbians and gay men and includes avoidance of anything associated with homosexuality. Homosociality is the social preference, but not necessarily an erotic attraction, for one's own gender.
Social Dimensions and Laws
Few homosexuals view themselves as deviants; however, stigmatization from members of society result in negative effects for homosexuals such as: Guilt, Fear of Negative Sanctions, Feelings of Rejection Many states now apply criminal sanctions only to public homosexual acts. In some states laws against acts related to homosexuality, such as sodomy, fellatio, and mutual masturbation, still exist but are not enforced. Variations of Homosexuality There are variations in many social and behavioral characteristics of homosexuality Short-term relationships Long-term commitments
Becoming Homosexual
Studies conducted on the biological perspective have inconclusive findings. Sociological Perspectives Sexuality is a social constructed phenomenon which is learned through interactions with others. It takes place within context of gender roles. Sexual socialization process sometimes works imperfectly, and some individuals come to derive sexual satisfaction from objects and people outside their groups' normative structures. An explanation of the emergence of homosexuality and heterosexuality thus invokes three concepts: a. Sex-role adoption b. Preference c. Identification The Coming Out Process Coming out involves a public declaration of a deviant, homosexual identity (Dank,1971) and action to convey that identity to heterosexuals (Plummer, 1975) It involves several elements: a. Recognition of one's sexual preferences b. Experiences with others in sex-role socialization c. A process of realizing that these elements form part of a sexual identity d. Resulting behavioral commitments to a homosexual lifestyle Stages in Coming Out This process involves several stages a. Sensitization b. Identity confusion c. ID assumption d. Commitment Homosexual Subcultures Certain characteristics define conditions for the development of homosexual communities: a. Some personal freedom and social tolerance b. Economic independence and social mobility C. Relatively high status for women d. Declining power of the family and religion in defining and determining every aspect of an individual's life
Lesbianism
Lesbians are female homosexuals The term lesb