The Emergence of the Human Animal in Nature
Questions that will need to be answered in this paper
Question 1
Simon and Gagnon wrote a chapter on lesbians in a book entitled Sexual Deviance in 1967, and concluded their discussion with the following quote,
We are not trying to argue that female homosexuality is natural. To the contrary, we are arguing that it is unnatural, but unnatural in the way that all human behaviour is unnatural; that is, it is without an absolutely predetermined and fixed shape and content, and it is a complex condition which derives from man’s unique abilities to think, act and remember and his need to live with other humans.
1. Begin unpacking this quote by defining the terms “natural” and “normal.” (Please refer to a dictionary). In what way are these terms referring to a common meaning, and in what way(s) should they be seen as meaning very different things? How can they be related to the ideas about human nature advanced by Berger and Luckmann?
2. In what way can homosexuality and heterosexuality be considered normal and natural? Do you think that homosexuality requires more or less of a sociological explanation for its existence than heterosexuality?
3. In what sense can the capacity for reproduction be claimed as a “proof” of the normalcy of a sexual orientation? If any couple has a meaningful, satisfying, longstanding, and intimate relationship which is also childless, on what grounds could you (or would you?) argue that it neglects some of the needs of the human species?
