HOMOSEXUAL BEHAVIOR AMONG MALES

by Wainwright Churchill ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1967

The author, a clinical psychologist, uses humanistic precepts in this, A Cross-CulturaL and Cross-Species Investigation. Gratifyingly free of titillating case-histories, it's a thoughtful, well-documented study that makes five major points. First, that pathological homosexuality evolves directly from the ""erotophobic"" atmosphere engendered by a Judaeo-Christian culture. This is traced directly to the sex-negativism of ancient Hebraic law. Second, he uses a seven point scale to delineate the varying degrees of homosexuality according to his definition: ""all sexual phenomena overt or psychic that involve like-sexed individuals"" from incidental contact to the stereotypical queen. The last three points deal with current attitudes and the law, which the author finds grossly unjust and immoral as he pleads for respect for the right to be different. In his assessment he uses cultural comparisons--the philosophical hedonism of the Greeks as opposed to the degradation of the Roman orgy etc. to demonstrate the perversity of certain types of Christian influence. He also uses examples of homosexuality found in various subspecies to prove that while the aberration is learned as opposed to instinctual behavior, it will always be prevalent to an extend, and no amount of abuse or righteous law-making will succeed as ""preventive security"" by a ""pathologically"" heterosexual society. Intelligent. Thought-provoking.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1967

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Hawthorn

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1967

Categories: NONFICTION