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Sex, Cells, and Same-Sex Desire

The Biology of Sexual Preference

• By David A. Parker

• Price: $46.00
• Binding: Paperback (also available in Hardback)
• Pages: 488
• Published by: Routledge
• Publication Date: 27th June 1995
• ISBN: 978-1-56023-060-1

About the Book

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

Contents Preface

•  Section I: Introduction
• The Biology of Homosexuality: Sexual Orientation or Sexual Preference?
• Section II: Historical and Conceptual Background
• Introduction
• On the History of Biological Theories of Homosexuality
• Homosexuality, Biology, and Ideology
•  Female or Male: The Classification of Homosexuality and Gender
• Section III: Is Sexual Preference Determined by Heredity?
• Introduction
• A Critique of the Possibility of Genetic Inheritance of Homosexual Orientation
• Is Homosexuality Genetic? A Critical Review and Some Suggestions
• Wilson’s Panchreston: The Inclusive Fitness Hypothesis of Sociobiology Re-Examined
• Sexual Preference and Altruism
• Biological Research on Sexual Orientation: A Critique of the Critics
•  Section IV: Is Sexual Preference Determined by Hormones?
• Introduction
• Animal Models for the Development of Human Sexuality: A Critical Evaluation
• Biomedical Concepts of Homosexuality: Folk Belief in a White Coat
• Hormones and Sexual Orientation: A Questionable Link
• Does Peace Prevent Homosexuality?
• Section V: Is Sexual Preference Determined by the Brain?
• Introduction
• Brain Research, Gender, and Sexual Orientation
• Science and Belief: Psychobiological Research on Sexual Orientation
• Sexuality in the Brain
• Section VI: Mislabeling, Social Stigma, Science, and Medicine
• Introduction
• Biology of Bisexuality: Critique and Observations
• Dexterity and Sexuality: Is There a Relationship?
• Policing “Perversions”: Depo-Provera and John Money’s New Sexual Order
• Section VII: Conclusion
• Sexual Expression: A Global Perspective
• Glossary
• Index
• Reference Notes Included