Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Is homosexuality hormonally determined?

L I Birke

    Journal of Homosexuality
    |January 1, 1981
    PubMed
    Summary

    Current evidence is insufficient to link homosexuality to endocrine factors. The paper critiques the scientific basis and animal models used in hormonal research, questioning their validity for understanding human sexuality.

    Related Concept Videos

    You might also read

    Related Articles

    Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

    Sort by
    Same author

    Maternal discrimination and the development of sex differences in exploratory behaviour in infant spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus).

    The Quarterly journal of experimental psychology. B, Comparative and physiological psychology·1991
    Same author

    Effects of modulating neonatal progestins and androgens on the development of play and other social behavior in the rat.

    Hormones and behavior·1988
    Same author

    Effects of odor familiarity on the development of systematic exploration in the spiny mouse, Acomys cahirinus.

    Developmental psychobiology·1987
    Same author

    Differences in maternal behavior of rats and the sociosexual development of the offspring.

    Developmental psychobiology·1987
    Same author

    Patterns of exploratory behavior in the spiny mouse, Acomys cahirinus.

    Behavioral and neural biology·1986
    Same author

    Maternal behavior in rats and the effects of neonatal progestins given to the pups.

    Developmental psychobiology·1985

    Area of Science:

    • Endocrinology
    • Human Sexuality Studies
    • Behavioral Science

    Background:

    • Hormonal correlates of homosexuality are often sought within a medical model viewing it as a condition needing biological explanation and treatment.
    • This research is influenced by societal norms regarding gender-appropriate behavior and simplistic views on hormonal effects.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the evidence for endocrine bases of homosexuality.
    • To critically assess the methodologies and assumptions in hormonal research on human sexuality.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of studies investigating adult hormone levels in relation to homosexuality.
    • Analysis of research on prenatal hormone influences on behavior, including animal models.

    Main Results:

    • Insufficient evidence exists to establish a definitive link between homosexuality and endocrine factors.
    • Significant questions are raised about the validity of using animal studies, particularly with rats, as models for human sexual behavior.

    Conclusions:

    • The search for hormonal explanations for homosexuality is based on questionable assumptions and potentially flawed animal models.
    • The popularity of such hypotheses may stem from their perceived utility in attempts to control or prevent homosexuality.

    Related Experiment Videos