The advancements of neuro scans have shown plausibility that there is a difference in
homosexual brain scans as compared to heterosexual brain scans. The part of the brain that is
associated with behavior and reproductive physiology known as the interstitial nuclei of the
anterior hypothalamus is shown to be larger in heterosexual males compared to homosexual
males (Cherin & Holden, 1995). This shows there is a structural difference between heterosexual
males and homosexual males, which allows for a plausibility that this significant difference is
associated with homosexuals being biological and not part of different learning theories.
Parent Sexual Orientation
While some researchers argue that homosexuality is a learned behavior, there is significant
evidence to support that children raised by homosexuals do not necessarily become
homosexuals. The conclusions of these studies have showed there is no direct correlation with
children being raised by homosexuals as learning the behavior or gender roles of the rearing
couples sexual preference, or gender roles. In fact, studies showed the majority of children that
grew up with lesbian or gay parents, grew up establishing their own identities as a heterosexual
(Patterson, 2013). Though some argue the test subjects pertaining to homosexual couples raising
children is vague and difficult to isolate and identify more test subjects, the plausibility remains
that there has been more evidence to support there is correlation between individuals that were
raised by homosexuals as learning the behavior from their homosexual parents.
Discussion A Gender Debate on Gender Differences
Though many argue that gender is a learned behavior, I stand to believe that gender roles
associated with homosexuality is biological and genetic. Some arguments I would like to impose
would be that thus far genes cannot be altered, so if gender is established by nurture then how
can so many correlations with genetics be altered to make this a learned behavior. The cognitive
social learning theory also implies that media and other popular social dynamics influence
gender roles and development. However, I found it difficult to find any relativity in this theory
because there has been no significant research to show that learning plays a role in sexual, or
gender orientation development. Most research I found in the significance of the learning theory
contained personal perception which is probably motivated by strict morals and typically strict
morals are difficult to change ones perception of their desired thoughts.
The evolutionary psychology theory, though it contains some discrepancies and what some may
deem as archaic, I think that the evolutionary standpoint contains more aspects of gender being
biological in nature. This is due to some of the key elements of the evolutionary psychology
theory containing less bias and more plausibility towards gender being linked to biological
factors. Though significant arguments were made on both ends. I feel the learning components of
gender research was plagued with more fallacy and personal opinions rather than supportive
evidence like the biological theory imposes.
References
Chernin, J., & Holden, J. (1995). Toward an understanding of homosexuality: Origins, status, and
relationship to individual.. Individual Psychology: The Journal Of Adlerian Theory, Research &
Practice, 51(2), 90.
Choi, P. L. (2001). Genes and gender roles: Why is the nature argument so appealing?.
Psychology, Evolution & Gender, 3(3), 279-285. doi:10.1080/14616660110104797.
Kirkpatrick, M. (2003). The Nature and Nurture of Gender. Psychoanalytic Inquiry, 23(4), 558.
Patterson, C. J. (2013). Children of lesbian and gay parents: Psychology, law, and policy.
Psychology Of Sexual Orientation And Gender Diversity, 1(S), 27-34. doi:10.1037/23290382.1.S.27
Petersen, J. L., & Hyde, J. (2010). A meta-analytic review of research on gender differences in
sexuality, 19932007. Psychological Bulletin, 136(1), 21-38. doi:10.1037/a0017504
Silfe, B. (2011). Taking Side: Clashing Views on Psychological Issues: Is Homosexuality
Biologically Based , 17E. Provo Utah. Bringham Young University