The Evolution of Homoerotic Behavior in Humans

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical model for the evolution of same-sex sexual behavior, or homoerotic behavior, in humans. Contrary to the traditional study of the topic, the emphasis is on homoerotic behavior itself, irrespective of sexual orientation. It is an inferential model drawn from cross-species evidence, cross-cultural evidence, and current evolutionary theory. It is posited that humans evolved a disposition for homoerotic behavior because it increased same-sex affiliation among peripheralized hominids and indirectly influenced rates of survival and reproductive success. The implications for the conceptualization of same-sex sexual behavior and future research are indicated.

Testing the Affiliation Hypothesis of Homoerotic Motivation in Humans: The Effects of Progesterone and Priming

“…Our theoretical focus here is on a broad category of behavior, that which is erotic and occurs with members of the same sex, and its hormonal and motivational underpinnings (which include, but are not limited to, sexual desire); we consider sexual orientation or identity only secondarily, as this is not isomorphic with behavior. Muscarella (2000) defined homoerotic behavior as "same-sex sexual behavior involving genital contact" (p. 52); however, as not all actions having an erotic component involve genital contact, we adopt a broader definition, construing as homoerotic behavior all intimate contact, be it intentionally or unintentionally erotic, involving members of the same sex, regardless of whether it involves genital contact.…”

“…Same-sex sexual contact has been found in 67% of cultures in the Human Relations Area Files (Kirkpatrick, 2000), and the practice of such behavior by individuals who also engage in opposite-sex sexual contact has been prominent in many culture regions for centuries (Ross & Wells, 2000). Working in parallel, drawing on cross-species comparisons and extensive ethnographic and historical materials, Kirkpatrick (2000) and Muscarella (2000) presented overlapping evolutionary models arguing that human same-sex sexual behavior serves the adaptive function of promoting alliance formation and maintenance (Muscarella et al 2005; see also Rind & Yuill, 2012).…”

Evidence for maternally inherited factors favouring male homosexuality and promoting female fecundity

“…Wilson (1975), attempting to solve the paradox, suggested a possible role for homosexuals as helpers in their families, increasing the fitnesses of their relatives and, thus, balancing their reduced direct fitness. However, both Muscarella (2000) and Bobrow & Bailey (2001) in recent empirical studies, showed that homosexuals do not act as helpers and do not give more financial or emotional resources to siblings than do heterosexual men. Other studies by Ȓ .…”

Evolución y orientación sexual

“…Esta perspectiva evolutiva de la conducta homosexual postula su valor adaptativo en humanos; así proponen que durante el curso de la evolución humana la conducta homosexual podría haber reforzado alianzas con el mismo sexo, las cuales contribuyeron directamente a la supervivencia e indirectamente a la reproducción. Kirkpatrick (2000) argumenta que la conducta homosexual viene de la selección individual por altruismo recíproco, el cual podría haber contribuido al intercambio de recursos y a la reducción de la agresión entre machos; Muscarella (2000) argumenta que los adolescentes y adultos jóvenes homínidos fueron probablemente aislados socialmente y que la capacidad para comprometerse en conducta homosexual reforzada por alianzas contribuyó directamente a su supervivencia. Los mismos sexos aliados ayudaron a los machos a subir en la jerarquía social brindándoles acceso a hembras y oportunidades reproductivas.…”

“…Una enfatiza que la conducta homosexual reforzó por sí misma las alianzas con el mismo sexo, lo que contribuyó directamente a la supervivencia e indirectamente a la reproducción (Kirkpatrick, 2000;Ross, 2000;Muscarella, 2000). A estos teóricos les falta explicar los mecanismos genéticos y neuroendocrinos que regulan la con- ducta.…”