Homosexuality

Since its coining, the term homosexuality has acquired multiple meanings. In the original sense, it refers to a sexual orientation characterized by aesthetic attraction, romantic love, and sexual desire exclusively for members of the same sex or gender identity. It can also refer to the manifestation of that orientation in the identity of an individual, which may or may not be at odds with that person's sexual behavior. Finally, it can refer to sexual relations with another of the same sex regardless of one's sexual orientation, self-identification or gender identity.

Anthropology

Forms

A number of researchers studying the social construction of same-sex relationships have suggested that the concept of homosexuality would best be rendered as "homosexualities." They point out that same-sex relations have been and continue to be organized in distinctly categorical ways by different societies. These variations are grouped by anthropologist Stephen O. Murray into three separate modes of association:

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• Egalitarian, exemplified by relationships currently prevalent in western society between partners of similar age and gender. See Sexual minority cultures
• Gender structured, exemplified by traditional relations between men in the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East and Central and South Asia, as well as shamanic gender-changing practices seen in native societies. See Homosexuality and Islam, Two-Spirit and Hijra
• Age structured, exemplified by the erotic apprenticeships of Classical Grece or those engaged in by novice samurai with more experienced warriors; southern Chinese boy-marriage rites; and ongoing Central Asian and Middle Eastern practices. See Shudo, Homosexuality in China, and Pederasty

Usually in any society one form of homosexuality predominates, though others are likely to co-exist. As historian Rictor Norton points out in his and Egalitarian Models, in Ancient Greece egalitarian relationships co-existed (albeit less privileged) with the institution of pederasty, and fascination with adolescents can also be found in modern sexuality, both heterosexual and homosexual.

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Incidence

:Main article: Demographics of sexual orientation.

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Estimates of the modern prevalence of homosexuality vary considerably. They are complicated by differing or even ambiguous definitions of homosexuality, and by fluctuations over time and according to location.

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Recent estimates on the number of homosexuals (does not include bisexuals) in Western countries, where egalitarian relationships predominate, range from 1% to 10%, confined to a self-identified subculture.

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In the United States during the 2004 elections, exit polls indicated 4% of all voters self-identified as gay or lesbian. However, many who are homosexual may not be open in public as evident in the recent forced "outings" of New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey and Spokane, Washington, Mayor Jim West. CNN 2004 Exit Polls. See Sexual minority cultures

Related Topics:
United States - 2004 elections - Jim McGreevey - Jim West - Sexual minority cultures

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In North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, where gender- and age-structured relationships are the rule, male homosexual practices are reported to be widespread, engaged in by many individuals who do not regard themselves as homosexual. See Homosexuality and Islam

Related Topics:
North Africa - Middle East - Central Asia - Homosexuality and Islam

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Historically, in areas where same-sex relationships were embedded in the culture, such as Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, parts of Melanesia, Renaissance Italy, and pre-modern Japan, homosexual relationships were engaged in by a majority of the male population. See Pederasty

Related Topics:
Ancient Greece - Ancient Rome - Melanesia - Renaissance - Italy - Japan - Pederasty

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See Anthropological classification of homosexuality.

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