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
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).
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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).
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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.
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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
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.