Homosexuality

A psychological phenomenon is at the same time a social phenomenon because man, the bearer of the psychological phenomenon, is a social being. Whether a psychological phenomenon is discerned as a social phenomenon depends upon various factors: the number of individuals that show the phenomenon, the way in which they show it, and the amount of fear it arouses in those who observe it.

In considering homosexuality we are concerned with the actions and reactions of homosexuals, with the reactions of society, and with the scientific investigation of the psychological phenomenon. In the future it will be found necessary to consider these three subjects together, because dealing with them separately may lead to mistaken conclusions.

Most of the actions of homosexuals appear to be nothing more than attempts at justification, and the manner in which these attempts are made is of great importance to the comprehensive investigation. In all probability, the homosexual is badly in need of the feeling that he is put at a disadvantage, and the abolition of all discrimination (assuming that to be possible) would be anything but welcome to him.

The reactions of society are also extremely important. In recent years and in some western countries, especially The Netherlands, attitudes have undergone great changes. The antipathy to and defence against homosexuality are ancient; they are directly related to the total past and present attitude towards sexuality. It is indeed a question whether it is homosexuality that is so strongly rejected. And no investigation has been made of the reasons for the present increase in tolerance and interest. That homosexuality itself is an important social phenomenon is evident from its increased frequency; other disturbances such as exhibitionism, voyeurism, necrophilia, coprophilia, etc. do not seem to show any similar increase.

Space does not permit consideration here of all three areas of the problem (the actions of homosexuals, the