In recent years, media and scientific attention have focused on attempting to discern the origins of homosexuality. Many view homosexuality as a social problem that has potential psychological and social implications depending on the public’s etiologic beliefs (Sheldon et al., 2017). For the people who believe homosexuality is inherent, their attitude towards homosexuals is intolerant compared to those who find it a choice. However, those who view homosexuality as a choice are less tolerant of gays and lesbians. The argument has been going around with some supporting the position that homosexuality is biologically determined and claiming that sexual preference should be protected by the government as a right and an aspect of identity (Sheldon et al., 2017). Others argue against it, indicating that homosexuality is a choice where people are involved in making immoral decisions, which should be discouraged. This essay relies on various perspectives to answer the question of whether homosexuality is a choice or inherent.
Dependent and independent variables have been found in the GSS dataset relating to this topic. The names of the variables include sex, which is an independent variable that stands for the respondent’s gender orientation. In contrast, the dependent variables include spkhomo, colhomo, and libhomo, which stand for allowing a homosexual to speak, allowing a homosexual to teach, and allowing a homosexual to book in the library respectively. GSS survey question for variable “sex” is: what is the most common sexual preference? The question allows counting the number of homosexuals in the area of study. Sex, spkhomo, colhomo, and libhomo are chosen as the variables for this project since they are most correlated to the topic of research about homosexuality. These variables are indeed related considering the current dominant debate on the rights of homosexuals. Sexual orientation is used in discriminating people from speaking, teaching, and accessing other services in society.
Reference
Sheldon, J. P., Pfeffer, C. A., Jayaratne, T. E., Feldbaum, M., & Petty, E. M. (2017). Beliefs about the etiology of homosexuality and about the ramifications of discovering its possible genetic origin. Journal of Homosexuality, 52(3-4), 111-150. Web.