Divergence of sexual behavior, sexual attraction and self perception of sexual identity among young Americans, 2002-2008 Part One
Here, I comment (only) on the divergences (and seeming contradictions) between the prevalence of homosexual acts, homosexual attraction and sexual identity among young Americans. I would be gratified if anyone says that a critique like this can contribute to the dialogue on gender and sexuality, or less ambitiously, to aid policy analysis and implementation of health measures and improve practices. But to be honest, I do it to practice my research analytical skills. As an instructor on research design and statistics, I might also put this up as an example of logical deconstruction and argumentation.
I am particularly interested in validity and reliability of responses in the substantive area of sexual practices and identity of young and middle adults, who present themselves as conventionally straight but indulge in gay sex. This is only one issue among numerous others, but its political significance cannot be understated, particularly now when the LGBT community is gaining political force, and may figure significantly in the coming elections. The estimation of the numerical size of the community is hazardous since, despite clear gains, the LGBT "minority" is still frowned upon by the heterosexual "majority".
Here we begin the statistical criticism. For the survey, the questions asked with regard to male respondents were:
With regard to same-sex sexual partners, male respondents were asked four questions on same-sex sexual contact with male partners, following this preface:
The next questions ask about sexual experiences you may have had with another male. Have you ever done any of the following with another male?“Have you ever performed oral sex on another male, that is, stimulated his penis with your mouth?”“Has another male ever performed oral sex on you, that is, stimulated your penis with his mouth?”
“Has another male ever put his penis in your rectum or butt (anal sex)?" “Have you ever put your penis in his rectum or butt (anal sex)?“
A ‘‘yes’’ answer to any of these four questions was classified as ‘‘same-sex sexual behavior.’’
A ‘‘yes’’ to either of the oral sex questions was classified as ‘‘any oral sex with a male,’’ and a ‘‘yes’’ answer to either of the anal sex questions was classified as ‘‘any anal sex with a male.’’
The questions asked with regard to female respondents were:
Have you ever performed oral sex on another female?“ “Has another female ever performed oral sex you?“
If the respondent answered ‘‘no’’ to both of the above questions on oral sex with a female partner, then she was asked the more general question which was the single question that females were asked on same-sex experience in the 2002 NSFG:
“Have you ever had any sexual experience of any kind with another female?”
Any yes to all of the above questions were considered evidence of homosexual behavior.
Now these are the statistics for the survey years 2002 and 2006-2008
All males aged 15–44: 6.0 and 5.2
All females aged 15–44 11.2 and 12.5
However, when broken down to specific modes, the total rates for males are larger than these percentages, bringing them much closer to female rates:
All males aged 15–44 for Oral Sex: 5.7 and 5.0 All males aged 15–44 for Anal Sex: 3.7 and 2.9Total for 2002 and 2006-2008: 9.4 and 7.9
The conclusion from this simple comparison of rates is that young American women have been more homosexually active than young American men. At the outset, this is something that many will disagree with.
Comments