Heterosexuality

Maggie McEldowney

Heterosexuality

According to the Webster’s dictionary, the term heterosexual is defined as relating to or characterized by a tendency to direct sexual desire toward individuals of the opposite sex (Webster’s Dictionary.) In other words, it is the sexual attraction between a male and female. The actual percent of heterosexuals on earth is hard to distinguish, seeing that many people are personal when it comes to their sexual nature, and other people may be unsure and fluctuate between homosexual and bisexual throughout their lives. Although the lifestyle of heterosexuality has been around for centuries, the actual term “heterosexuality” came into existence around the 1900’s (Katz p1.) In the early 1900’s, the term heterosexual was still only a medical term, and could not even be found in the dictionary (Katz p1.) In fact, the definition of heterosexuality initially had a distorted connotation. A Philadelphia dictionary’s definition of heterosexuality in 1901 introduced it as, “a perverted appetite towards the opposite sex.” By 1923, heterosexuality made it into the international dictionary, surprisingly enough 14 years after homosexuality did (Katz p1.) In terms of the history of heterosexuality, there is documentation of heterosexuality based on historical events involving mating. In many cultures in historical past and even today, the idea of heterosexuality is the cultural “norm,” or what should be considered “natural” (Halsall, p1.)Without it, breeding would cease to exist. In the 1940’s and 1950’s, doctors connected the idea with heterosexuality and procreation. Post World War II, the norm was the woman in the household with the children while the man provided the income. Yet, even since the 1950’s, what has been considered the “norm” for heterosexuality has evolved. Each culture has the same concept of male/female attraction, but it seems every culture has formed their own definition of “norm.” In the United States, it was normal for a woman to marry a man by 21, when in the 1990’s, the average age women are getting married is from 25-27 (Halsall, p1.) In other cultures, first signs of puberty can be reason to marry two people. Yet with the turn of the 21st century came a new understanding to the definition of heterosexuality. It became less about reproduction and more focused on the pleasure aspect. By 1970, the idea of heteroeroticism became entirely about pleasure and had nothing to do with procreation (Katz p1.) **Heterosexuality and culture **  Another angle to consider when reviewing heterosexuality is nationalities effects on a person’s sexual desire. A nationality does not genetically have an effect on what sexual tendencies one prefers, but a culture or religion may sway a person one way or another. For instance, a child brought up in a home where homosexuality is forbidden and not accepted in their religion may not feel comfortable exploring unacceptable types of feelings. On the other hand, someone who lives in a sexually liberal house, allowing their child to really consider what they want sexually maybe “expand their horizons” in terms of their sexual desires. Another important aspect is how people sort out what is most important to them. If a person lives in a culture where sexual discovery is accepted, but is dedicated to a religion that condemns it, the person has to decide which social structure holds more power in their lives (Puri p 147.) In reality, as personal as sexual preference can be, it relies heavily on social impact. Experiences and information received from ones surroundings will shape their view on sexual promiscuity. There are studies being held on whether or not biologically one develops as a homosexual or heterosexual, but even so, society plays a large role in one’s sexual partiality (Puri 148.) In one study, several adult homosexuals said they recall growing up and feeling “different” from their straight peers, but just like heterosexual experiences shape how a person grows, so can homosexual experiences (Williams/Cohen p 33.)  http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.pollsb.com/photos/40/44006-choose_heterosexuality. **Sexual attraction ** Beyond how one was raised, few theories involve the sexual attraction of men to women and women to men based off of subconscious urges for reproduction. For men especially, physical attributes may be a leading factor for initial attraction. It is suggested that men are attracted to younger women because they emit a sense of procreation that men subconsciously look for. It is said men are drawn to breasts because it portrays breast feeding abilities. Also, women with curves show signs of nutritional understanding and value, and will be able to nourish the baby in its growing stages. Women on the other hand, are interested in maintaining a single mate and subconsciously look for protection and care in their mate. Although women are much prone to wanting companionship and loyalty, men often want partnership as well, so they will conform to a monogamous relationship (Hewitt.) It seems for the most part, women are looking for a mate for the emotional factor, while men are interested in more of the physical (Hewitt.) http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Heterosexuality_symbol.svg **Heterosexuality as “the norm” **  In several documents, the idea of heterosexuality being a “norm” was brought up. It is understood someone is to be heterosexual, unless they “come out,” or differentiate themselves from “the norm.” Although since the 1950’s, homosexuality has become more accepted in many societies and cultures, it still does not seem to be considered an equal to opposite sex mating. In several countries, rights for homosexuality are still being negotiated, while heterosexual relationships are universally accepted. In regards to sexual communication, it is still not something to be assumed unless specified (Halsall p1.) But looking at the history of heterosexuality, it leaves the opportunity to assume the treatment and acceptance of homosexuality will evolve as well. An interesting theory stemming from this is that it is not natural to categorize the homo and the hetero, the entire idea was human invention. Dr. Alfred Kinsey suggests no human is entirely one or the other, and it is humans that feel the need to distinguish one from the other and categorize people accordingly. Again, this connects with sexual communication, and how people need to separate one from the other to be able to construct how to communicate with that person (Katz p1.) Cohen, Kenneth, and Ritch C. Savin-Williams. "Development of Same-Sex Attracted Youth." Shibboleth Authentication Request. . Halsall, Paul. "People With a History: A History of Heterosexuality?" FORDHAM.EDU. . <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hewitt, John. "Heterosexuality." Sex and Philosophy - Homepage. <http://www.sexandphilosophy.co.uk/heterosexuality.htm>. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Katz, Jonathon 1995. "Who's Gay? What's Straight? - The Invention Of Heterosexuality | Assault On Gay America | FRONTLINE | PBS." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/assault/context/katzhistory.html>. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online 2011. "Heterosexuality - Medical Definition and More from Merriam-Webster." Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/heterosexuality>. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Puri, Jyoti 2004. " Checking (Homo)Sexualities at the Nation’s Door: Nationalisms and Sexualities." Encountering Nationalism. Malden, MA: Blackwell
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