MOTHERHOOD AND CHILD SEXUAL ORIENTATION

Can Being Raised, Sheltered By a Single Mother Cause a Young Man to Be Gay?

Can Being Raised, Sheltered By a Single Mother Cause a Young Man to Be Gay?

Introduction

Can being raised, sheltered by a single mother cause a young man to be gay? Questions regarding motherhood and its relations with child development have been the subject of study for many years. However, only limited number of studies has focused on the association between being raised by single mother and sexual orientation. This paper will in brief discuss the issue, while formulating answer of the question.

Discussion and Analysis

Sexual orientation differs noticeably for women vs. men, as well as for people having same sex. A large number of adult female are androphilic which means interested in males erotically, whereas large numbers of adult males are not androphilic. There also is variability within each sex. Some women are not androphilic, whereas some men are. With greater openness among lesbian and single mothers, the number of families in which one or more of a child is identified as lesbian or gay is increasing, and the diversity of family forms is becoming more apparent. Many such families involve children from a previous marriage (Jodl, Micheal, Malanchuk, Eccles & Sameroff, 2001). Others involve children born or adopted after the parents have identified themselves as gay or lesbian. In the last 15 to 25 years, such families have been the subject of increasing attention in the media and in the popular press.

The statement that a child required both a father and mother assumes that fathering and mothering entail gender exclusive capabilities. A necessary father is a play mate, problem solver and disciplinarian who offer importantly mannish parenting. Fathers and boys, exponents claim, to build up adequate mannish identity and to restrain antisocial behaviors such as ...