Gay, Straight, and the Reason Why: The Science of Sexual Orientation - Brossura

LeVay, Simon

Brossura

ISBN 10: 0199931585 ISBN 13: 9780199931583

Casa editrice: OUP USA, 2012

Riassunto

What causes a child to grow up gay or straight? In this book, neuroscientist Simon LeVay summarizes a wealth of scientific evidence that points to one inescapable conclusion: Sexual orientation results primarily from an interaction between genes, sex hormones, and the cells of the developing body and brain.

LeVay helped create this field in 1991 with a much-publicized study in Science, where he reported on a difference in the brain structure between gay and straight men. Since then, an entire scientific discipline has sprung up around the quest for a biological explanation of sexual orientation. In this book, LeVay provides a clear explanation of where the science stands today, taking the reader on a whirlwind tour of laboratories that specialize in genetics, endocrinology, neuroscience, cognitive psychology, evolutionary psychology, and family demographics. He describes, for instance, how researchers have manipulated the sex hormone levels of animals during development, causing them to mate preferentially with animals of their own gender. LeVay also reports on the prevalence of homosexual behavior among wild animals, ranging from Graylag geese to the Bonobo chimpanzee.

Although many details remain unresolved, the general conclusion is quite clear: A person's sexual orientation arises in large part from biological processes that are already underway before birth.

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Recensione

Here's hoping that books like this - rational, smart and compassionate - keep moving us in the right direction. (New Scientist)

LaVay does not have one theory that he is pushing. Instead, he takes a critical look at all of them. ... I recommend this book to nurses in particular, who are expected to deliver unbiased care. It helps us see sexuality as a natural part of life. (Drew Payne, Nursing Standard)

L'autore

Simon LeVay is a British-born neuroscientist who has served on the faculties of Harvard Medical School and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. He has written ten previous books, including the New York Times best-seller, When Science Goes Wrong.

Dettagli dell?edizione

• Editore: OUP USA
• Data di pubblicazione: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0199931585
• ISBN 13: 9780199931583
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Lingua: Inglese
• Numero di pagine: 432