something that came up in conversation recently

[novapsyche]

Studies show that there is no connection to homosexuality and child sexual abuse.

Michael Jackson and some priests might show a predilection toward boys, but that doesn't mean they're gay.

Comments

[xterminal.livejournal.com]

Honestly, I think everyone who isn't aware of this by now is wearing blinkers of their own design. Some people just don't want to have their prejudices rearranged.

[dionysus1999.livejournal.com]

The main reason you're making a distinction is due to the erroneous assumption by members of society that homosexuality and pedophilia are linked. I'll have to get the DSM-IV out and see whether they even discriminate between adults who are attracted to one sex or the other.

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

The main reason you're making a distinction is due to the erroneous assumption by members of society that homosexuality and pedophilia are linked.

That's true. And I think you are arguing that pedophiliac behavior and homosexual behavior are similar only because of the sexes of people involved. But behavior and orientation are not the same thing. That's all I'm saying.

I'll have to get the DSM-IV out and see whether they even discriminate between adults who are attracted to one sex or the other.

This may be a place where sociology and psychology divide. The general prevailing wisdom in sociological circles is that a person who sexualizes children is in a completely distinct category. This is because children are not seen as men or as women, but rather as children. Their gender is basically irrelevant, as they don't exhibit adult gender behavior (sexual behavior) anyway.