Homosexual Behaviour in Animals


Book Description

Behavioural observations from both the field and captivity indicate that same-sex sexual interactions are widespread throughout the animal kingdom, and occur quite frequently in certain non-human species. Proximate studies of these phenomena have yielded important insights into genetic, hormonal and neural correlates. In contrast, there has been a relative paucity of research on the evolutionary aspects. Homosexual Behaviour in Animals seeks to readdress this imbalance by exploring animal same-sex sexual behaviour from an evolutionary perspective. Contributions focus on animals that routinely engage in homosexual behaviour and include birds, dolphin, deer, bison and cats, as well as monkey and apes, such as macaques, gorillas and bonobos. A final chapter looks at human primates. This book will appeal to graduate students and researchers in evolutionary biology, biological anthropology, zoology, evolutionary psychology, animal behaviour and anyone interested in the current state of knowledge in this area of behavioural studies.




Animal Homosexuality


Book Description

Homosexuality is an evolutionary paradox in search for a resolution, not a medical condition in search for a cure. Homosexual behavior is common among social animals, and mainly expressed within the context of a bisexual sexual orientation. Exclusive homosexuality is less common, but not unique to humans. Poiani and Dixson invite the reader to embark on a journey through the evolutionary, biological, psychological and sociological aspects of homosexuality, seeking an understanding of both the proximate and evolutionary causes of homosexual behavior and orientation in humans, other mammals and birds. The authors also provide a synthesis of what we know about homosexuality into a biosocial model that links recent advances in reproductive skew theory and various selection mechanisms to produce a comprehensive framework that will be useful for anyone teaching or planning future research in this field.




Biological Exuberance


Book Description

A Publishers Weekly Best Book One of the New York Public Library's "25 Books to Remember" for 1999 Lavishly illustrated and meticulously researched, filled with fascinating facts and astonishing descriptions of animal behavior, Bruce Bagemihl's Biological Exuberance is a landmark book that will change forever how we look at nature. Homosexuality in its myriad forms has been scientifically documented in more than 450 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and other animals worldwide. Biological Exuberance is the first comprehensive account of the subject, bringing together accurate, accessible, and nonsensationalized information. Drawing upon a rich body of zoological research spanning more than two centuries, Bagemihl shows that animals engage in all types of nonreproductive sexual behavior. Sexual and gender expression in the animal world displays exuberant variety, including same-sex courtship, pair-bonding, sex, and co-parenting—even instances of lifelong homosexual bonding in species that do not have lifelong heterosexual bonding. Part 1, "A Polysexual, Polygendered World," begins with a survey of homosexuality, transgender, and nonreproductive heterosexuality in animals and then delves into the broader implications of these findings, including a valuable perspective on human diversity. Bagemihl also examines the hidden assumptions behind the way biologists look at natural systems and suggests a fresh perspective based on the synthesis of contemporary scientific insights with traditional knowledge from indigenous cultures. Part 2, "A Wondrous Bestiary," profiles more than 190 species in which scientific observers have noted homosexual or transgender behavior. Each profile is a verbal and visual "snapshot" of one or more closely related bird or mammal species, containing all the documentation required to support the author's often controversial conclusions.




Homosexual Behaviour


Book Description

Homosexual Behavior: Therapy and Assessment explores the extent to which principles derived from the experimental psychology of learning could be applied to the treatment of a variety of behaviors. This book provides a variety of sources of evidence to account for the development and maintenance of homosexual behavior treatment. Organized into eight chapters, this book begins with an overview of the comparisons made in the treatment of sexual deviations. This text then examines the application of learning techniques to the treatment of sexual deviations. Other chapters consider the results of the treatment by aversion therapy on a series of 43 homosexual patients. This book discusses as well assessment of changes in sexual orientation during the course of treatment, which is one of the problems in the treatment of homosexuality. The final chapter deals with the association between homosexual type and success in response to avoidance learning. This book is a valuable resource for psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, and clinical psychiatrists.




Male Homosexual Behavior and the Effects of AIDS Education


Book Description

Since the AIDS epidemic was recognized, information on safer sex has been assumed to be the most crucial means of preventing further spread of the disease. But how well has AIDS education worked? What kinds of education work best and for whom? This study is the first to provide an in-depth analysis of the results of AIDS education programs and to explore the psychosocial factors that affect behavioral responses to education. B. R. Simon Rosser provides a detailed profile of a specific population at risk, including factors such as sexual behavior, psychology, religious affiliation, legal status, and discrimination. Using comparative measures of behavior, personality, social status, attitudes, and risk-taking, he identifies important differences between homosexual men who engage in safer sex and those who do not. Finally, he evaluates the impact of different approaches to AIDS education. Examining both positive and negative effects, Rosser shows that the spread of the HIV virus was actually accelerated by a national education campaign utilizing fear, and contrasts this result with four international gay-sensitive education campaigns that produced positive changes in behavior and lifestyle. He discusses ways in which AIDS education must develop in order to become more effective, together with crucial changes that are needed in both the gay population and the larger community if HIV transmission is to be halted. This study is a valuable resource for education and research in AIDS prevention, sexual behavior, psychovenereology, education, health, and related disciplines.




Is God anti-gay?


Book Description

A practical and sensitive exploration of the Bible's teaching on homosexuality. A practical and sensitive exploration of the Bible's teaching on homosexuality. It's the hot topic of the moment. Christians, the church and the Bible seem to be out of step with modern attitudes towards homosexuality. And there is growing hostility towards those who hold a different view to the culture's. So is God homophobic? And how do we relate to both Christians and non-Christians who experience same-sex attraction? In this short, simple book, Sam Allberry wants to help confused Christians understand what God has said about these questions in the scriptures. Drawing on his own experience, he offers a positive and liberating way forward through the debate. This revised and updated version includes answers to some new questions, including: * Should Christians attend gay weddings? * Isn't the Christian view of sexuality dangerous and harmful? * Is it sinful to experience same-sex attraction?




Homosexual Desire


Book Description

This essay focuses on the possibility of social and personal transformation which was opened up by the gay liberation movement in France, which the author terms a "revolution of desire."




Human Sexuality and its Problems


Book Description

Prepared by one of the world's leading authorities, Human Sexuality and its Problems remains the foremost comprehensive reference in the field. Now available in a larger format, this classic volume continues to address the neurophysiological, psychological and socio-cultural aspects of human sexuality and how they interact. Fully updated throughout, the new edition places a greater emphasis on theory and its role in sex research and draws on the latest global research to review the clinical management of problematic sexuality providing clear, practical guidelines for clinical intervention. Clearly written, this highly accessible volume now includes a new chapter on the role of theory, and separate chapters on sexual differentiation and gender identity development, transgender and gender non-conformity, and HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Human Sexuality and its Problems fills a gap in the literature for academics interested in human sexuality from an interdisciplinary perspective, as well as health professionals involved in the management of sexual problems. Long awaited new edition of the definitive reference text on human sexuality Addresses the neurophysiological, psychological and socio-cultural aspects of human sexuality and how they interact Examines the normal sexual experience and covers the various ways in which sex can be problematic, including dysfunctional, 'out of control', high risk and illegal sexual behaviour Reviews the clinical management of problematic sexuality and provides clear, practical guidelines for clinical intervention Presents a broad cross-disciplinary perspective of the subject area making the book suitable for all professionals involved in the field Presents a more theoretical approach to the study of human sexuality reflecting recent changes in research Includes a section on brain imaging to demonstrate the latest research findings in sexual arousal and to compare and contrast individuals with normal and low levels of sexual desire Discusses the use of sex as a mood regulator and the importance of current research in this area Discusses the impact on the internet on the modern sexual world Explores the relevance of transgender and gender non-conformity Contains a chapter on HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections Chapter on therapy fully updated to reflect the movement towards integration of psychological and pharmacological approaches to management Explores the complex relationships between anger, sexual arousal and sexual violence




TEXTBOOK OF ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR


Book Description

This well-accepted book, now stands in its second edition, is a time-honoured revision and extension of the previous edition. Beginning with an introduction to the study of animal behaviour, the book explains the various aspects of behavioural biology incorporating a wealth of information from molecular biology, neurobiology, and socio-biology with a new approach. It describes different kinds of innate and learned behaviours, animal communications, defensive behaviours such as camouflage and mimicry with suitable illustrations. The book incorporates the introductory concepts of biomimicry in an attractive manner. Further, it discusses biorhythms, migration in fish and birds, in addition to evolution and physiological basis of migration. The text also presents the important aspects of socio-biology and social behaviours, such as feeding, adaptation, prey defence, territoriality, aggression, altruism, sexuality, and parental care. Finally, it provides discussions on behavioural ecology in the context of conservation biology, and human behaviour. The book presents the basic principles of animal behaviour with the aid of carefully selected examples from both the recent and classic literature along with an emphasis on readability. In the present edition, topics like eusociality and behavioural theories have been incorporated. This edition also includes as many as 11 published articles by the author on different topics related to the subject matter in box format to further strengthen the text. The book is primarily intended for the students of B.Sc./M.Sc. (Zoology/Life Science) for their courses. It would be useful for the researchers in the field of animal behaviour, and conservation biologists. It would also attract readership studying Sociology and Anthropology. KEY FEATURES : Presents a well-balanced view of ethology. Discusses the current development in the field. Includes a glossary of important terms. Offers end-of-chapter questions to check the students' understanding of the concepts.




Sexual Behaviour and HIV/AIDS in Europe


Book Description

Originally published in 1998 Sexual Behaviour and HIV/AIDS in Europe is detailed study comparing the major population surveys on sexual behaviour and HIV/AIDS carried out in Europe at the time of publication. Leading European researchers explore the differences and similarities between European countries in patterns of sexual behaviour and responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As well as providing an empirical and methodological base for future research, the comparative analyses lead researchers, policy makers, health-educators and the media to new insights and a deeper understanding of issues that are of central concern in many countries. The chapters include discussion of data on sexual initiation, homosexual and bisexual behaviour, sexual practices, sexual partners, risk behaviour, STDs, preventive practices, the normative context, knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and attitudes towards people with HIV/AIDS. The book results from a major European Concerted Action, funded by the European Union Biomedical and Health Research programme (BIOMED), and coordinated by the Centre d'Etudes Sociologiques of the Facultes Universitaires Saint-Louis, Brussels, Belgium. It follows Sexual Interactions and HIV Risk, published in 1997.