When it comes to sexual orientation and gender identity, there have been many disagreements and arguments throughout the existence of psychopathology. The topic of sexual orientation has long been debated from the perspective of socioenvironmental influence. Some debate that sexuality is the result of genetic impact, while others believe that it stems from social factors. Nevertheless, sexual orientation is a more profound subject that involves category-specific attraction and sexual fluidity.
To start with, the primary area of sexual interest is referred to as sexual orientation. Typically, sexual orientation is defined as interest toward the same gender, the opposite gender, or both, and is therefore either homosexual, heterosexual, or bisexual (Cook, 2021). An alternate perspective is to define sexuality as a preference for male or female individuals or as androphilic or gynephilic, accordingly, without taking into account the gender of the individual who is attracted to such people (Cook, 2021). This is a more logical approach from a scientific standpoint in several aspects.
When it comes to the nature of sexual orientation, individuals can choose whether or not to have intercourse with others and physically adopt a specific gender identity or gender preference. However, people are unable to decide their sexuality as it is determined by sexual interest or arousal (Cook, 2021). In such perspectives, sexuality typically appears to be a characteristic that is resistant to deliberate attempts to modify and is established before birth, or possibly even earlier in life, by specific biological or environmental circumstances (Cook, 2021). There is proof that some females shift their sexual preference over the course of their lifetimes, though, and that their experiences of romantic arousal are more changeable and context-dependent than those of males.
Studies show that males are more susceptible to category-specific attraction and arousal than females. In other words, attraction is unique to a given gender group. As a result, heterosexual males are attracted to women, while homosexual men are attracted to other men (Cook, 2021). For women, arousal and interest seem to be less gender-specific (Cook, 2021). For instance, heterosexual women may become aroused in reaction to both male and female stimulation. Contrary to categorization specificity, sexual fluidity alludes to the situational conditions that may cause a woman (or, less frequently, a male) to feel interested in either men or women, depending on the environment (Cook, 2021). In terms of their sexuality, men generally seem to be much more group specific. Sexual fluidity is more often displayed by women.
Lastly, scientific investigation into the factors that influence sexuality has mostly concentrated on the classic categories of “nature” and “nurture.” In concept, genetics and/or the surroundings can be attributed to the majority of human features and disorders (Cook, 2021). The majority of external cues impose a tendency in one way rather than fully explaining the changes detected, and purely hereditary circumstances are uncommon (Cook, 2021). Nevertheless, unless there is a part of the decision, the total of all environmental and genetic variability should equal 100 percent.
Hence, an interest in the same gender, the opposing gender, or both is what is meant by sexual orientation. Sexual orientation, in this sense, implies bisexual, homosexual, or heterosexual orientation. While people might choose whether or not to have intercourse with an individual, they cannot choose their orientation. Yet, there is a term known as sexual fluidity that implies situational conditions. Lastly, there are a few factors that can influence one’s sexual orientation, including external and internal factors, such as genetics or environment.
Reference
Cook, C. C. (2021). The causes of human sexual orientation. Theology & Sexuality, 27(1), 1-19.