Sex, Cells, and Same-Sex Desire: The Biology of Sexual Preference

by Parker; David A

• ISBN13: 9781560247005
• ISBN10: 1560247002
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1995-07-05
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

This fascinating new book explores the myriad aspects of biological theories of sexual preference. Sex, Cells, and Same-Sex Desire describes, reviews, and questions recent biological research on sexual preference from the point of view of knowledgeable scientists and of scholars in the social sciences and humanities representing the emerging field of gay studies. The issues involved have a vibrant history, are wide-ranging, and remain the objects of much controversy. This book demystifies biological research on sexual preference and makes it accessible to readers unfamiliar with biological and medical research.Sex, Cells, and Same-Sex Desire is divided into several sections, each of which is introduced by an explanation of key concepts and terms found in that section. The book begins with a discussion of the history of biological theories and sociocultural concepts of gender and sexuality. The next 3 sections explore specialized areas of biological science and related issues: genetics and evaluation, hormones and the endocrine system, and brain physiology and structure. A final section discusses social stigma, science, and medicine. A glossary of terms used by the authors is included, so readers may look up those that may be unfamiliar.

Table of Contents

Preface
The Biology of Homosexuality: Sexual Orientation or Sexual Preference?	p. 1
On the History of Biological Theories of Homosexuality	p. 31
Homosexuality, Biology, and Ideology	p. 57
Female or Male: The Classification of Homosexuality and Gender	p. 79
A Critique of the Possibility of Genetic Inheritance of Homosexual Orientation	p. 91
Is Homosexuality Genetic? A Critical Review and Some Suggestions	p. 115
Wilson's Panchreston: The Inclusive Fitness Hypothesis of Sociobiology Re-Examined	p. 147
Sexual Preference and Altruism	p. 185
Biological Research on Sexual Orientation: A Critique of the Critics	p. 197
Animal Models for the Development of Human Sexuality: A Critical Evaluation	p. 217
Biomedical Concepts of Homosexuality: Folk Belief in a White Coat	p. 237
Hormones and Sexual Orientation: A Questionable Link	p. 247
Does Peace Prevent Homosexuality?	p. 269
Brain Research, Gender, and Sexual Orientation	p. 283
Science and Belief: Psychobiological Research on Sexual Orientation	p. 303
Sexuality in the Brain	p. 345
Biology of Bisexuality: Critique and Observations	p. 357
Dexterity and Sexuality: Is There a Relationship?	p. 375
Policing "Perversions": Depo-Provera and John Money's New Sexual Order	p. 397
Sexual Expression: A Global Perspective	p. 427
Glossary	p. 431
Index	p. 447
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