Homosexuality has existed throughout history. Writings from ancient greek authors, poets and philosophers provide evidence supporting the idea that homosexual behavior was not uncommon. From an evolutionist perspective, this presents a paradox. Homosexuality goes against the idea of reproductive success as an adaptive measure of human evolution. Kirkpatrick (2000) asserted that homosexual behavior has existed throughout all cultures. For example, Melanesian, Tahitian, Hawaiian, African, South American, and Europe are among some of the cultures where homosexuality is normative. Is it possible that sexual orientation perception is an evolved trait gained through evolution? Evidence in this field has been mixed but we will attempt to determine
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According to Shelp (2002) gaydar can be defined as “A special intuitive or perceptual sensibility of gay people to detect subtle identifying characteristics in other gay people” (p. 2). Initial studies were mixed and relied on the observations of stereotypical behaviors associated with heterosexuality and homosexuality. Kite and Deaux (1987) reintroduced Freud’s inversion theory. Its application to their study on gender belief systems highlighted one method of determining ones sexual orientation. The results concluded that people tend to subscribe to the idea that male homosexuals display characteristics similar to female heterosexuals. The same is true with female homosexuals as well. Interestingly, when examining the effect size of the data between genders, the overall mean effect was greater in male targets than in female targets. Kite and Deaux (1987) asserted that this disparity between effect sizes in gender was a result of males being more present in terms of visibility in society. Correct identification of sexual orientation can be a result of stereotyping. However, research conducted by Fagot (1981) and Frable (1987) conclude that people tend to base their judgements on cultural stereotypes when their knowledge of actual differences in behavior are
According to Shelp (2002) gaydar can be defined as “A special intuitive or perceptual sensibility of gay people to detect subtle identifying characteristics in other gay people” (p. 2). Initial studies were mixed and relied on the observations of stereotypical behaviors associated with heterosexuality and homosexuality. Kite and Deaux (1987) reintroduced Freud’s inversion theory. Its application to their study on gender belief systems highlighted one method of determining ones sexual orientation. The results concluded that people tend to subscribe to the idea that male homosexuals display characteristics similar to female heterosexuals. The same is true with female homosexuals as well. Interestingly, when examining the effect size of the data between genders, the overall mean effect was greater in male targets than in female targets. Kite and Deaux (1987) asserted that this disparity between effect sizes in gender was a result of males being more present in terms of visibility in society. Correct identification of sexual orientation can be a result of stereotyping. However, research conducted by Fagot (1981) and Frable (1987) conclude that people tend to base their judgements on cultural stereotypes when their knowledge of actual differences in behavior are