The Problem of Homosexuality

INTRODUCTION

Every aspect of the problem of homosexuality is here presented by two world-famous authorities on sexual abnormality, with emphasis on cause and cure. The authors stress the fact that homosexuality is essentially a particular form which the sexual drive has taken to express itself and that it should therefore be, and is, subject to modification and alteration. Social implications of homosexuality and its relation to crime, suicide, alcoholism, insanity and prostitution are explained. Finally, the prevention and treatment of homosexuality are discussed, accompanied with illustrations from case histories which buttress the authors’ claims that it is a curable condition.

The first part, written by Dr. Clifford Allen, who has studied the problem for the past twenty-five years and is the author of a standard medical textbook on sexual abnormality, deals specifically with the nature, causation and treatment of homosexuality.

The second part, written by Dr. Charles Berg, author of many works on psychoanalysis, presents a general survey of the problem with special references to its psychological or psycho-pathological foundations. He throws new light on the question of inherited tendencies versus acquired behavior.

The third part contains a summary and discussion of the recent report of the British Parliamentary Committee on Homosexuality popularly referred to as the Wolfenden Report and reveals the difficulty in pursuing a scientific investigation of psychological phenomena within the limitations of existing legal restrictions and controls.

The authors, both practicing psychiatrists, were able to draw abundantly from their clinical experiences and quote to advantage from many personal case histories. The records of analysts and sexologists who have published material in the field are referred to and examined, so that the data upon which conclusions rest are broadly based.