A Cross-Cultural Perspective on Theory and Research on Male Homosexuality

Bibliographic Data

ID3622073
AuthorsDennis Werner (The Graduate Center, CUNY, corresponding author)
Year1979
Volume4
Issue4
Pages345-362
Publication date1979-07-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Homosexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0091-8369 • E-ISSN: 1540-3602
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1300/j082v04n04_03
PMID264134
OpenAlexW2082598504
LanguageEN
Citations received12

In an effort to uncover useful directions for future research, this paper examines the cross-cultural data on male homosexuality in light of various theories that might account for its variation. Looking first at different psychological explanations, the study suggests that the sex of one's childhood companions may be an important factor in the origin of homosexuality. Two possible explanations for an association between male homosexuality and mixed-sex playgroups are offered: In one, gender identity serves as an intervening variable; in the other, the notion that "familiarity breeds contempt" is studied. A cultural materialist theory, which views homosexuality as adaptive under conditions of population pressure, is shown to be supported by the correlation between a society's natalist policy and its attitudes toward homosexuality

Contempt · Developmental psychology · Epistemology · Homosexuality · Materialism · Perspective (graphical · Population · Psychoanalysis · Sociology · Demography · Gender Studies · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Social Psychology

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