[The role of socialisation in psychosexual development].

Abstract

Introduction: In the recent research and interpretation of the genetical-biological and environmental-social factors shaping psychosexual development, in addition to scientific arguments, more and more ideological and political aspect have received unfortunate emphasis.

Objective: Since the literature investigating the development of gender identity and gender orientation has not only increased, but also polarized, it is timely to look at the scientific exchange of ideas and debates among the differing positions.

Method: Exploring the significance of genetic, biological and social factors involved in the development of gender identity and gender orientation based on international literature data.

Results: Based on the current state of science it can be concluded that, in addition to the indisputably marked genetic-biological factors, education and social patterns, as well as the extremely complex environmental and media-related influence with its variable intensity and diverse emotional content also play a significant role in the psychosexual development. This is supported, among other observations, by the data indicating that homoerotic behavior is more common in people raised by same-sex couples.

Conclusion: As psychosexual development is determined jointly by both genetic-biological and social factors (like education, media etc), belonging to a sexual minority group is not a choice, not the result of a personal decision. Therefore, any kind of discrimination in this regard is unacceptable. Further scientific studies are necessary to answer a large number of questions that still remain open.