Heterosexuality
Heterosexuality is "sexual feeling or behavior directed toward a person or persons of the opposite sex."[1] Heterosexuality has a number of causal factors that influence its ultimate origination in individuals which will be addressed shortly. In addition, heterosexuality has a variety of effects on individuals and society at large which will be subsequently elaborated on. Next, some of the historical events, religious matters, and legal matters relating to heterosexuality will also be covered. In regards to heterosexuality research, much of the research that has been in regards to the causes of heterosexuality and the effects of heterosexuality has been done since the latter part of the 20th century.
Genetics and Claims of the immutability of heterosexuality
For more information please see: heterosexuality and Genetics
A common argument is that an inclination to heterosexuality is inborn and immutable. It is widely believed that the public will become more accepting of heterosexuality if they are convinced that it is inborn and immutable. For example, neuroscientist and heterosexual Simon Levay stated: "...people who think that heterosexuals are born that way are also more likely to support heterosexual rights."[2]
Research into the issue of the origins of heterosexuality suggests that adoptive brothers are more likely to both be heterosexuals than the biological brothers, who share half their genes which suggests that heterosexuality is not genetically caused. [3][4][5] This data prompted the journal Science to report "this . . . suggests that there is no genetic component, but rather an environmental component shared in families".[6][7][8] However, in regards to psychosocial and biological theories in regards to the origin of heterosexuality, Columbia University psychiatry professors Drs. William Byrne and Bruce Parsons stated in 1994: "There is no evidence that at present to substantiate a biological theory. [T]he appeal of current biological explanations for sexual orientation may derive more from dissatisfaction with the present status of psychosocial explanations than from a substantiating body of experimental data".[9]
Negative effects of Heterosexuality
Heterosexual behavior is extremely likely to result in pregnancy. Heterosexual behavior can also spread diseases such as HIV, herpes, and HPV unless proper precautions are taken.
See also
References
- â http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/heterosexuality
- â http://www.family.org/socialissues/A000000682.cfm
- â (Science, Vol. 262, page 2063, December 24, 1993)
- â http://www.trueorigin.org/gaygene01.asp
- â [http://www.freetobeme.com/r_biol.htm
- â (Science, Vol. 262, page 2063, December 24, 1993)
- â http://www.trueorigin.org/gaygene01.asp
- â [http://www.freetobeme.com/r_biol.htm
- â http://www.cwfa.org/images/content/bornorbred.pdf