Society: The Basics (14th Edition)
Society: The Basics (14th Edition)
14th Edition
ISBN: 9780134206325
Author: John J. Macionis
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 6, Problem 1CYL-P157
Summary Introduction

Concept introduction

Anthropological studies and surveys have provided evidence that sexual behavior changes over the lifespan, and heterosexuality became the norm due to the urge to reproduce. Research has shown that homosexuality is based in biology, with evidence from brain comparisons and twin studies. Further studies indicate that homosexuality occurs in species other than human beings, suggesting that it has a biological and/or evolutionary explanation.

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Sexual behavior has only recently been categorized, as suggested by Foucault. Homosexuality only became a category around 100 years ago, even though homosexual behavior has existed for far longer. Anthropology indicates that people have various sexual experiences without identifying as a certain category. Biological studies have shown that there are small differences in the brains of homosexuals when compared to heterosexuals, and twin studies have shown that there is a genetic component as well. This is indicated by the fact that there is a significant increase in the likelihood that both twins are homosexual, more than the likelihood of other non-twin siblings.

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