In 1955, homosexuality was considered a disorder in the DSM1 and many agreed with this thought. The general population held a negative view point against homosexuals, which led to hardships for those individuals. Gay marriage was not legal, discrimination against homosexuals was common, and a heavy stigma surrounded the gay community.2 While some people outside of the gay community supported their lifestyles, the majority did not. Due to this, I will argue that homosexuality was a disorder in the US in 1955. Two theories of disorder support this idea. These are Boorse's definition of disease and social constructionism theory. Boorse's view is a component of naturalism, which views diseases objectively. A person, and their health, is normal
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If the individuals are intentionally going into this relationship, while they are facing hardships, it should not be classified as a disease. If crime is not a disease, homosexuality should not be either. This argument does not work, because of two reasons. First, physicians did not classify crime as a disorder, but they did classify homosexuality as one.1 Second, diseases can be desired, but not desirable. For example, some individuals desire to have sickle-cell anemia trait because it protects them malaria.8 Though these people desire this pathological condition, sickle-cell anemia is not a desirable trait. Along with this, the majority of society would not find homosexuality as a desirable …show more content…
I, however, believe that homosexuality is not, and never has been, a disease or disorder. I agree with the DSM-IV, in that behavior that does not coincide with beliefs of society is normal and cannot be classified as a disease. I believe a disorder should not be dependent on an opinion and if it does not harm society, it should not be considered a disease. In this aspect, I would consider conditions like psychopathy and schizophrenia to be pathological because actions that come from these conditions can harm others. Though individuals can be offended by another's sexual orientation, the homosexual relationship does not invoke harm upon
If the individuals are intentionally going into this relationship, while they are facing hardships, it should not be classified as a disease. If crime is not a disease, homosexuality should not be either. This argument does not work, because of two reasons. First, physicians did not classify crime as a disorder, but they did classify homosexuality as one.1 Second, diseases can be desired, but not desirable. For example, some individuals desire to have sickle-cell anemia trait because it protects them malaria.8 Though these people desire this pathological condition, sickle-cell anemia is not a desirable trait. Along with this, the majority of society would not find homosexuality as a desirable …show more content…
I, however, believe that homosexuality is not, and never has been, a disease or disorder. I agree with the DSM-IV, in that behavior that does not coincide with beliefs of society is normal and cannot be classified as a disease. I believe a disorder should not be dependent on an opinion and if it does not harm society, it should not be considered a disease. In this aspect, I would consider conditions like psychopathy and schizophrenia to be pathological because actions that come from these conditions can harm others. Though individuals can be offended by another's sexual orientation, the homosexual relationship does not invoke harm upon