CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1Background 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.

1.5 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.

1.6 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.

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