No experiential/family
variables accounting for homosexuality.
No evidence for learning
theory accounts of homosexuality.
Bem's
Theory of Sexual Orientation:
Exotic
Becomes Erotic (EBE)
(only applies to a gender polarizing
culture like ours)
Factors
involved and developmental stages:
A. Biological
B. Childhood Temperament
C. Activity & Playmate Preferences
D. Perceived dissimilarity & unfamiliarity
'Exotic'
E. Autonomic arousal to opposite/same
sex peers
F. Erotic/Romantic attraction to opposite/same
sex
Similarity attracts (except sexual)
Familiarity breeds likeness. (Important distinction between like
and love here)
How does exotic (but not
too exotic) become erotic?
Physiological arousal can be interpreted
as erotic arousal.
Biological
correlates of sexual orientation:
i) Genetics,
ii) Hormones,
iii) Neurotransmition.
Is there an interveining temperament?
Bem suggests aggression or activity level may predict later homosexuality.
Individual
variations and alternate pathways:
A. can enter 'EBE' paths at different
points
B. different interpretations of "exotic"
arousal
C. conditioning to social learning
(minor role)
D. sexual-orientation identify (eg.
political lesbians)
Remember: "The only unnatural
sex act is one that cannot be performed." A. Kinsey
Click here
for a link to an APA piece on Bem's theory