Social Problems, 13eD. Stanley EitzenMaxine Baca ZinnKelly Eitzen Smith

Chapter 10Sexual Orientation

Sexual Orientation

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Learning Objectives

10.1 Define deviant behaviors and understand the broader implications of the social construction of deviance.

10.2 Evaluate the problems of defining and conducting research on homosexuality.

10.3 Understand homophobia and its consequences.

10.4 Explain the ideological and legal oppression of homosexuals.

10.1 - Heteronormativity

• Deviance is socially constructed.

• Deviance is a relative, not an absolute, notion.

• Deviance is an integral part of all societies.

• Whoever holds power determines who or what is deviant.

• The violators of important social norms are often stigmatized.

Madonna and Britney Spears at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards.

LO 10.1

Adam Lambert at the 2009 American Music Awards.

LO 10.1

LO 10.1 - Heteronormativity continued

• Deviance is socially constructed.

• Whether an act is deviant depends on how other people react to it.

• Even though sexuality has a biological base, it is also a social construction.

The photos show a 1959 rally to oppose racial “mixing” or integration and a 2005 rally to oppose same-sex marriage. They vividly demonstrate that societal norms dictate what is considered deviant behavior in any given period and that these social constructions are subject to change over time.

LO 10.1

• Deviance is a relative, not an absolute, notion.

• Deviance is not a property inherent in any particular kind of behavior.

• When norms change, so does deviant behavior.

LO 10.1 - Heteronormativity continued

• Deviance is an integral part of all societies.

• Durkheim believed deviance had positive benefits for society.

• Deviance promotes group solidarity,

LO 10.1 - Heteronormativity continued

• Whoever holds power determines who or what is deviant.

• Power is a crucial element in deciding who or what is deviant.

• Religious groups have been able to influence laws.

LO 10.1 - Heteronormativity continued

• The violators of important social norms are often stigmatized.

• Deviants are not only seen as different.

• It is “acceptable” to socially disgrace deviants.

LO 10.1 - Heteronormativity continued

LO 10.1 - Video: Sexual Orientation

http://media.pearsoncmg.com/ph/hss/SSA_SHARED_MEDIA_1/sociology/videos/MPL/gayinthemilitary.html

LO 10.1 - Explorer Activity: Sexual Orientation: Who Is Heterosexual? How Definitions Do Not Equal Identity

http://www.socialexplorer.com/pearson/plink.aspx?dest=http%3a%2f%2fwww.socialexplorer.com%2fSpiceMap%2f%3fv%3d5d3dc485c8414963

Please log into MySocLab with your username and password before accessing this link.

LO 10.1

Heteronormativity results in __________.

A. opportunities for gays and lesbians

B. stigmatization of gays and lesbians

C. reinforcement of the idea that all people are created equally

D. policy changes to accommodate gays and lesbians

LO 10.1

Heteronormativity results in __________.

A. opportunities for gays and lesbians

B. stigmatization of gays and lesbians

C. reinforcement of the idea that all people are created equally

D. policy changes to accommodate gays and lesbians

LO 10.1

What is “deviant” is an absolute definition.

A. True

B. False

LO 10.1

What is “deviant” is an absolute definition.

A. True

B. False

10.2 - Gay and Lesbian Community: An Overview

• Defining Homosexuality

• The Numbers

• Interpersonal Relationships and Domestic Arrangements Among Gays and Lesbians

10. 2 Defining Homosexuality

• Sexual Preference

• Sexual Orientation

• Does homosexuality have genetic or social origins?

LO 10.2 - The Numbers

• Numbers are unknown because many never reveal their sexual orientation.

• Do the numbers matter?

LO 10.2

LO 10.2 - Interpersonal Relationships and Domestic Arrangements Among Gays and Lesbians

• Monogamy

• Sexual exclusivity– Gay or straight, men are men

• Egalitarianism

LO 10.2

How is sexual preference different than sexual orientation?

A. Preference implies a choice; orientation is biological.

B. The terms can be used interchangeably.

C. Preference is the attitude; orientation is the behavior.

D. Preference is used by gays and lesbians, orientation is used by the Census Bureau.

LO 10.2

How is sexual preference different than sexual orientation?A. Preference implies a choice; orientation is biological.B. The terms can be used interchangeably.C. Preference is the attitude; orientation is the behavior.D. Preference is used by gays and lesbians, orientation is used by the Census Bureau

LO 10.2

Homosexual relationships are less egalitarian than heterosexual relationships.

A. True

B. False

LO 10.2

Homosexual relationships are less egalitarian than heterosexual relationships.

A. True

B. False

10.3 – Past and Present Discrimination

• Ideological Oppression

• Legal Oppression: The Law and The Courts

10.3 - Ideological Oppression

• Homophobia

• Religion

• Medicine

Religion fuels much of the protest against same-sex marriage.

LO 10.3

LO 10.3 - Legal Oppression: The Law and the Courts

• The Military

• Family Rights

• Occupational Discrimination

More than 12,000 military personnel were discharged for their sexual orientation under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The policy was officially repealed in 2011.

LO 10.3

Same-sex marriage is legal in just nine states and the District of Columbia.

LO 10.3

LO 10.3

LO 10.3

LO 10.3

What is the current policy regarding gays in the military?

A. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

B. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue”

C. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue, Don’t Harass”

D. Gays and lesbians can be open without fear of discharge

LO 10.3

What is the current policy regarding gays in the military?

A. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

B. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue”

C. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue, Don’t Harass”

D. Gays and lesbians can be open without fear of discharge

LO 10.3

Legally, employers are not allowed to fire someone because of their sexual orientation.

A. True

B. False

LO 10.3

Legally, employers are not allowed to fire someone because of their sexual orientation.

A. True

B. False

10.4 - Fighting the System: Human Agency

• Gay activists challenge society in an effort to transform it – Stonewall Inn (1969)

• Ronald Reagan, Christian Fundamentalism, and AIDS

More television shows are featuring gaycharacters, such as ABC’s sitcom ModernFamily, where gay couple Mitchell andCameron adopt a baby.

LO 10.4

LO 10.4

The spark for the gay rights movement was the __________.

A. Civil Rights Act

B. riot at Stonewall Inn

C. election of Ronald Reagan

D. creation of GLAAD

LO 10.4

The spark for the gay rights movement was the __________.

A. Civil Rights Act

B. riot at Stonewall Inn

C. election of Ronald Reagan

D. creation of GLAAD

LO 10.4

Sexual harassment laws do not apply to same-sex harassment.

A. True

B. False

LO 10.4

Sexual harassment laws do not apply to same-sex harassment.

A. True

B. False

LO 10.4 Question for Discussion

Discuss the social construction of homosexuality as deviance.