knowledge and attitude of undergraduate students towards homosexuality and its implication on social adjustment

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KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS TOWARDS HOMOSEXUALITY AND ITS IMPLICATION ON SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT (A Study Of Caritas University, Amorji- Nike, Emene)

ABSTRACT

 

With civilization and urbanization on the increase in Nigeria today and also freedom from parents enjoyed by youths and students in various institutions of higher learning in Nigeria, different kinds of sexual orientation has developed which homosexual is one of them. Homosexuality being the romantic or sexual intercourse or behaviour between members of the same sex, has attracted much interest and attention as a social problems that needs to be investigated and solved. However, there have been different kinds of attitude towards the act and those involve in it. In Nigeria, it is strongly frowned at, because it is believed to have a negative effect on the general society, it therefore constitute a deviant behaviour and it is highly against the moral principle of Nigerian society in general and Caritas University in particular. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the attitude of undergraduate students towards homosexuality and its implication on social adjustment, hence examining how the attitudes of undergraduate students affect homosexuals in the school environment. The objective of this study aims on how students get involve in the act and also to ascertain how easy it is to disengage from the act and finally to discover if there is a positive correlation between attitude of undergraduates towards homosexuality and social adjustment of homosexuals.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Title page

Approval page

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Abstract

Table of content

 

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 

1.1 Background to the study

1.2 Statement of problem

1.3  Research Questions

1.4 Objectives of the Study

1.5 Significance of study

1.6 Definition of Terms

 

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

2.2 An overview of Homosexuality

2.3 Involvement of undergraduate in the act of Homosexuality

2.4 Students attitude towards Homosexuality on campus

2.5 Harassment and fear of homosexuals

2.6 Review of Related theories

2.6.1 Psychoanalytical theory

2.6.2 Biological Theory

2.6.3 Sociological theory

2.7 Theoretical frame work

 

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 

3.1 Research design

3.2 Study Area and Population

3.3 Sample Size

3.4 Sampling Technique

3.5 Instruments for data collection

3.6 Method of data analysis

 

CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA 

4.1 Demographic data of respondent

4.2 Analysis of Research Questions

 

CHAPTERFIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND  RECOMMENDATION 

5.1 Summary of findings

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Recommendation

5.4 Limitation of the study

5.5 Suggestion for further studies

References

Appendix I

Appendix II

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the study 

Homosexuality is romantic or sexual intercourse or behaviour between members of the same sex (beth 1992:2). As a sexual orientation, homosexuality refers to an enduring pattern of or disposition to experience sexual, affectionate or romantic attractions primarily and exclusively to people of the same sex (Redmond 1999).

The term homosexual is derived from a Greek word “homos” which means same. Thus connoting sexual acts and affections between members of the same sex. Lesbianism is a sexual act between females while Gay generally refers to male homosexuality. The word “Lesbians” is derived from the name of the Greek island

“Lesbos”, where the poet Sappho wrote largely about her emotional relation with young women.

Historically, homosexuality has attracted much interest and attention but attitudes towards such preference of having sex with one of the same gender have varied in different epochs and cultural groups ranging from acceptance as among the ancient Greeks, to measured tolerance in the Roman times and outright condemnations. (Greg Reeder 1999).

According to the old testament, Leviticus 16:8-22, 20:13) sex between men is an abomination and any involved will be put to death, other parts of the Bible makes it known that homosexuality is a sin and any involved in it faces strong penalty. Such books of the Bible like the book of Romans 1:18-31, Corinthians 6:9 which says that homosexuals are unrighteous and will not inherit the kingdom of God. This however has affected the Judeo-Christian attitude towards

homosexuality for centuries.

Also in primitive time, negative attitude is found in different cultures even in Africa, there has been serious condemnation of homosexuality such that anyone involved in act will be put to death.

In the late 19th century ambivalent attitude have prevailed, that is, opposing feelings about homosexuality such that some people fell homosexuality is normal and they tend to fight for their freedom. In some primitive societies homosexual activities are considered normal and socially acceptable. For instance in Arunta of Central Australia, homosexuality is a common practice. Some nations such as Great Britain, United States and West Germany to mention but a few have recently legalized homosexual relations between consenting adults. In the United states, in the 1940s homosexuality was classified as felony with punishment up to life imprisonment in all states. (Frank Beach 1991).

By the early 1970s at least ten states had legalized such acts between consenting adults. One third of the societies studied by ford and Beach include many industrialized countries; give little or no sanction to homosexuals.

In recent years in the United States such organizations as the Gay Activities Alliance and the Daughters of Bilitis have attempted to influence public opinion and legislation toward greater tolerance of homosexuals. Their effort and other world associations and conferences such as the 1974 Berkshire conference also the 1973 meeting of the Association of homosexual activists and other various meetings along with Gay advocacy books has created several attitudes among people of the world and attracted attentions. Recently, even in Nigeria, homosexuality is beginning to spread and open up and even though there has been a law against the act, still it is in existence in the country and also in various institution of higher learning in the country. Including Caritas University where there has been cases of homosexual activities amongst students though not too obvious and popular but it exist and there has been various attitudes towards it from other students who do not get involved in the act.

While a lot of research have been carried out in other aspect of students attitude very little or nothing has been done in the area of research on the attitude of students towards homosexuality. It is on this premise that this study seek to unravel the knowledge and general attitude of students towards homosexuality.

 

1.2    Statement of the problem

With increasing urbanization in Nigeria and relative freedom from parents and guardian enjoyed by students in various institutions of higher learning in Nigeria. There has been different kinds of sexual orientation which includes homosexuality and attitudes towards it.  How do people regard to homosexuality and those involved in it is an issue that need to be investigated. While homosexuals face condemnation in some societies. They are accepted in other societies. In Nigeria, it is highly frowned at, because it is believed to have a negative effect on the general behaviour and it is strongly against the moral principle of Nigerian society and Caritas University in particular. Though this act of homosexuality exist in closed and private settings in Caritas University, this case is becoming obvious and privately alarming so much so that the moral ethics for which this mission university is known is under serious threat. The act is like underground water destroying the moral base of this noble university. Like wild fire, it is permeating into the minds of all students of Caritas University.

On the part of the homosexuals, most often they suffer psycho social trauma, social isolation and are society wide regarded as deviants, they are some times regarded and treated as criminals. In future, they may face the danger of childlessness except if they change and get married to opposite sex. This is outright negation of the order instituted by God. It is a violation against the natural use of man and woman.

Furthermore, the attitude of people towards the acts causes those involved in the act unable to socially and psychologically adjust within the society and relate to people and members of the society.

It is on the above premise that this study seeks to unravel the attitude of undergraduate students of Caritas university towards homosexuality and its effects on social adjustment.

 

1.3  Research Questions

The following research questions shall guide this study

  1. Do students have knowledge about homosexuality?
  2. How do students perceive homosexuality?
  3. How do students get involved in the act?
  4. How easy is it to disengage from the act?
  5. What do students think about people who are involve in homosexual act?

 

 

 

1.4 Objectives of the study

The general objective of this study is to investigate the attitude of undergraduate students towards Homosexuality and how it affect social

adjustment.

The specific objectives of the study area are as follows:

  1. To understand the extent to which students knowledge about homosexuality affects their attitudes and social adjustment.
  2. To determine students knowledge about homosexuality.
  3. To fnd out how students get involved in the act of homosexuality.
  4. To ascertain how easy it is to disengage from the act.
  5. To suggest how this social ill will be stopped.

 

  • Significance of the study

This study has both theoretical and practical significance. Theoretically, the study intends to find out the motive behind indulging in homosexuality.

The findings of the study will be of immense values to the educators, psychologists and school administrators on the best ways to handle the problem of homosexuality among undergraduate students.

Again, the findings of this study will help to intimate the guidance counselors on the social and sexual background of these students and how best to offer a programme of intervention for their re-integration into heterosexual world.   Thus, both students and counselors will be better informed about he inherent dangers associated with indulging in homosexuality.

 

  • Definition of terms

HOMOSEXUALITY

Homosexuality is a romantic and sexual intercourse between members of the same sex or gender.

 

 

 

LESBIANISM

Lesbianism is the sexual relationship between two women, when someone is a lesbian it simply means that a woman is having sexual relationship with another woman.

ATTITUDE

This refers to a disposition to react or behave in a certain way towards  an issue, event, act or a situation.

UNDERGRADUATE

These are people who are currently undertaking or studying for their first degree in a higher institution of learning.

GAY

This can be referred to as sexual relationship between two men.

SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT

This means adapting to the societal conditions or circumstances of one’s environment.

CLOSED AND PRIVATE SETTING

This refers to a secret place where the homosexuals carry out the act without being noticed by anybody.

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1     Introduction 

Relevant literatures are reviewed to give support to the study. These literatures are reviewed under the following subheadings. An overview of homosexuality, involvement of undergraduate in the act of homosexuality, students attitudes towards homosexuality and harassment and fear of homosexuals.

 

2.2 An overview of homosexuality 

Homosexuality has been defined as the romantic or sexual intercourse or behaviour between members of he same sex. (Beth 1992:2). Homosexuality in different societies has provoked several attitudes such as acceptance, banned and punishment. The act of homosexuality has attracted the attention of many scholars regarding how it all began, in other words, the cause and genesis of the act. Moreoso, the Holy book, the Bible declares the act of homosexuality as immoral and demonic.

Freud, in his view believed that all humans were born bi-sexual in nature and due to restriction in one direction or the other, both heterosexuality and homosexuality developed (Freud 1953) Early psychologist believed that homosexuality was due to mental illness.

Fuller and Thompson (1973) opined that homosexuality is developed through genetic means. Other view as the Hormonal theorists believe that abnormal levels of some pre-natal hormones can lead to an increased chance of homosexuality in an individual. (Dorner et al, 1983).A sociologist Blutenger (2007) believed that people become homosexuals as a result of same-sex environment with no opposite sex to share their sexual desire with. Week (1986) argued that homosexuality develop through the process of social interaction and that sexuality is defined as a matter of power.

However, there has been different view regarding the causal factors of homosexuality. There has also been varied attitudes toward the act in different society. Among other factors which causes homosexuality is fear of opposite sex, molestation. (Jennifer Mcgrath 2007).

 

2.3 Involvement of undergraduate in the act of homosexuality

In the late 1800s, a man named Kraft Ebing was the leading theorist on sexual deviance. He did a lot of research on the causes of homosexuality and how people get involved in the act and creates a convincing answer.

The question is “is homosexuality a choice or a genetic issue? Ebing concluded that it is both, in his most well known work “psychopatia sexualis” he opine that people are born homosexual and others become homosexual. He points to same schooling as one of the ways people become and get involve in homosexual act. He posited that humans have a basic need for sexuality and intimacy and do not loose this need because the socially accepted partners in this intimacy are unavailable. If a young heterosexual boy is placed in a place where there are no women around to get his need for sexual relationship satisfied, he will turn to those around him, that is, other boys in the same predicament. (Blutenger 2007).

This however means some people get involved in homosexual act as a result of single-sex schooling, private boarding schools (Jennifer Mcgrath 2007).  Moreoso, it is also believed that homosexuality is a learned behaviour which is influenced by a number of factors, a disrupted family life in early years, a lack of unconditional love on the part of either parent.

These problems can result in a search for love and acceptance, envy of the same or opposite sex, a life controlled by various fears and feelings of isolation. One thing that does seem clear as that homosexuality is brought about by a multitude of root causes which include fear of opposite sex, incest or molestation.

(Hersh Berger, 1995).

 

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