Wikipedia: Causes of sexual orientation

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Much attention and research has been devoted in recent years to exploring the causes of sexual orientation. Usually, the research is based on causes on homosexuality. This is largely because heterosexuality was considered the norm and homosexuality an aberration, although this view has been contested and weakened by the results of the research as well as political activism. There has also been a realization that any attempt at understanding the causes of sexual attraction to the same sex will be more successful if we understand the mechanisms that underlie sexual attraction per se, and more specifically what causes many people to feel sexual attraction primarily towards members of one particular sex.

The traditional Judaeo-Christian view that homosexuality was caused by mingling with non-Israelite tribes, man's rebellious or fallen nature, or demonic temptation has given way to scientific explanations which regard homosexuality as normal and natural. Scientists are now in agreement that homosexuality is not a freely made choice or "lifestyle" that someone decided to follow, and many religions are updating their theologies to conform with science.

The last 20 years have seen an explosion in the scientific knowledge available on the genetic, biological and psychological causes of homosexuality.

Genetic Research into Homosexuality

Some research suggests that there are genetic causes which make people more likely to become homosexual.

It is unknown how many types of genetic variations lead to homosexuality. It is also unknown whether and to what extent any one's genes compel the development of homosexuality. Many other biological factors are likely involved. It is also unknown for certain how much social and psychological influences can affect a person's sexual orientation. The following topics need to be elucidated in this entry, with references to imporant scientific and medical journal articles, and books which summarize said articles.

Psychological Research

Psychology, younger by far than established sciences such as chemistry and physics, has just begun to discover how homosexuality develops. In surveys of gay men and lesbians, the majority assert that they were born that way. Most of them report that they knew they were "different" from an early age, often by puberty and not uncommonly in prepubescence. Instances of individuals stating that they chose to be gay are extremely rare.

Genetic studies

Twin Studies

Biological Studies not strictly dealing with genetics

Interplay of the environment and the biological make-up of the individual. (Nature vs. nurture)

Various psychological views will also be examined.

The world's various religions have differing views on homosexuality; this topic has its own entry entitled Religion and homosexuality.

This entry is only about causal theories. It is not for discussing issues of morality, ethics, human rights, religion, etc. This is not a place to make a point about supposed "sins."

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