Theories On The Causation Of Homosexuality - 3098 Words

Running head: CAUSATION OF HOMOSEXUALITY 1 Theories on the Causation of Homosexuality Luke Thomas The University of Alabama CAUSATION OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2 Abstract There are two main schools of thought regarding the causation of homosexuality. The first, which is examined in this research, is biological cause. Three main categories of thought exist under biological theory: hormone theory, brain theory, and genetic theory. Each category contains convincing evidence as to why its respective variations should be attributed to provoking homosexuality. Hormone theory maintains that abnormal levels of testosterone expose—whether too great or too little—is responsible for masculinizing or feminizing the fetus and thus altering its†¦show more content†¦The study of its causation, however, has been greatly expanded only within past two centuries. Many theories have been formulated to attempt to explain what causes sexual variance, and in particular, homosexuality. These theories can be grouped into two main categories: nature and nurture. The theories which fall under the nature category maintain that homosexual behavior results from biological, innate differences between homosexuals and heterosexuals. The nurture theories, in contrast, state that homosexual tendencies form as a result of one’s sociological environment, and that homosexuality is an acquired trait. Recent research, however, indicates a stronger assumption towards biological causes of homosexuality and leads one to question the validity of the nurture theories in influencing homosexual behavior. Nature Theories Theories crediting homosexual behavior to natural, biological factors take many different routes. The three main subcategories of biological theories include hormone theory, brain theory, and genetic theory. Although neither the nature nor the nurture theories are entirely conclusive, recent research suggests more of a correlation between biological theories on the causation of homosexuality as opposed to sociological theories. Hormone Theory Several studies have been conducted in an attempt to prove the