Conceptualizations of Family by Older Gay Men

SUMMARY

Gay lives challenge historically dominant understandings of family. Given that definitions of family have been heterosexually based, how do non-heterosexuals define and understand “family?” Drawing from the family life course perspective, we propose that contemporary cohorts of older gay men represent a strategic vantage point for understanding innovations in family life, and thus expand current understandings of a gay life course. We use data from an interview study of gay men over the age of 50 who talked about their family relationships. While providing diverse definitions of family, biological ties and closeness were two consistent dimensions for defining both positive and negative family relationships by these older gay men. Narratives of coming out were central to discussions of current relationships with parents and children. The findings from this study indicate that sexual orientation influences life trajectories and transitions and point to useful avenues for further research on contemporary family life.     

Being Heard on Sexual Orientation

Abstract

In 2001, Maryland became the twelfth state to pass legislation that prohibits discrimination against gays, lesbians, and bi-sexuals in employment, housing, and public accommodations. As part of a ten-year effort to pass such protections, the Governor of Maryland established a Commission to Study Sexual Orientation Discrimination. The Commission held five public hearings throughout the state in 2000 and used the testimonies to prepare a report which helped pave the way for the passage of the legislation. This article is an analysis of 113 oral testimonies, both for and against the legislation. Such information may be helpful in other states where anti-discrimination efforts are on-going.     

Theories of Aging and Social Work Practice with Sensitivity to Diversity

Abstract

Aging experiences are multidimensional, and social workers need to know theoretical perspectives on aging which are useful in understanding the diversity of experiences of individuals in later adulthood. This article describes and discusses four theoretical perspectives on aging which are not usually presented in Human Behavior and the Social Environment textbooks but which contribute to understanding of diversity in later adulthood: Atchley's continuity theory; Fisher's age-independent periods; Stoller and Gibson's perspectives on gender, race and ethnicity, class, and the life course; and Friend's theory of successful aging of gay men and lesbian women.     

Wellness in Adult Gay Males

Abstract

Adult gay males face significant social stigma, internalize negative societal messages related to their sexual orientation, and experience difficulties related to disclosing their sexual orientation to others, particularly to parents. Although the effects of these challenges in terms of pathology have been established, the relationship among internalized homophobia, self-disclosure, self-disclosure to parents, and wellness has not been examined. The results of a study of these variables among 217 gay males are presented and discussed.     

Brief Report: Sexual Wellbeing in Heterosexual,Mostly Heterosexual,and Bisexually Attracted Men and Women

Abstract

Objective: To assess differences in sexual wellbeing among men and women with exclusively heterosexual, mostly heterosexual, and bisexual attractions. Method: An anonymous online survey in a convenience sample of 597 young adults (394 women, 203 men; average age = 20.04) assessed patterns of sexual attraction, desire, sexual functioning, and sexual satisfaction using validated questionnaires. Results: Individuals with mostly heterosexual attractions reported significantly higher solitary sexual desire than exclusively heterosexual individuals (women: d?=?0.64; men: d?=?0.68). Partnered sexual desire did not differ between groups. Women with exclusively heterosexual attractions reported significantly higher sexual functioning and satisfaction than either mostly heterosexual or bisexually attracted women (functioning: d?=?0.29; satisfaction: d?=?0.47). Men with mostly heterosexual attractions reported significantly lower sexual functioning than either exclusively heterosexual or bisexually attracted men (d?=?0.40). Conclusions: There were significant differences between exclusively vs. mostly heterosexual individuals in several aspects of sexual wellbeing, supporting the assertion that mostly heterosexual may constitute a distinct orientation. Taken together with prior research showing higher rates of sexual dysfunction in bisexual women, these findings highlight sexual health disparities among nonmonosexual women. Efforts to support the sexual wellbeing of sexual minority individuals should include consideration of mostly heterosexual individuals, as this population may have unique sexual health needs.     

解释与创造：比较哲学研究的两种定向

比较哲学研究和对其进行的理论反思,近年来都有不少。从研究目的的角度看,不管是比较哲学研究还是对其进行的理论反思,都存在解释和创造两种定向。解释指的是希望获得对比较双方以及二者之差异的客观认识．而创造则是指在客观认识的基础上实现新的哲学创造。解释和创造不只是比较哲学研究中的两种定向．还应成为未来比较哲学研究的两个层次：解释的目的是为了创造,而创造则要基于解释。     

海外学者中国城市经济史研究的大众文化取向——以陈锦江上海近代百货公司研究为例

研究中国城市经济史,百货公司是一个重要内容。美国学者陈锦江（WellingtonK．K．Chan）的上海近代百货公司研究在海外相关领域中起步最早且富有见地。本文就其在该领域的研究做历史性的学术考察,旨在透过对美国学者变动中的研究旨趣、研究方法、研究趋势的分析,帮助我们更好地把握海外学者中国史研究的大致脉络和大众文化的研究取向。     

教师教学方式转变的方向和措施

当前,教师教学方式的转变出现了两种倾向：一是教学方式单一。部分教师仍延续传统的教学方式,方法落后、呆板、单一;二是教学方法滥用。部分教师误以为改变教学方式就是要以新的教学方法完全取代传统教学方法。教师教学方式改革的方向是改变教学方式单一的局面,实现教学方式的多样化。教学方式的转变应以讲授法为主。教师教学方式的转变还需有一定的保障性措施才能实现。     

民间智库的成长:角色定位与路径优化

在强调政府决策民主化、科学化的要求下,民间智库是实现这一目标的重要途径。然而,民间智库面临着诸多现实困境,一是政策环境影响,使其经营发展受限;二是外界竞争压力,使其目的利益受损;三是自身成长不够成熟,使其社会形象受困。民间智库的的发展要注重多元主体关系中的角色定位和未来发展中的作用空间,并以此为政府或立法提供参考。     

网络广告的价值取向分析

作为一种文化传播形式,网络广告是社会价值观念不断被传送、强化和公众接受社会文化教化的过程。目前网络广告呈现出多种价值取向,积极价值取向主要体现在弘扬民族精神和社会公德、张扬个性、鼓舞斗志,消极的价值取向体现为重利轻义思想严重、宣扬享乐主义、网络色情广告泛滥、挑战社会公德等,成为互联网世界中最不安定的因素之一。造成这些现象的主要原因是：部分广告主和网站经营者片面追求利益最大化、中国传统价值观与西方价值观的冲突、网络经济的发展与法律法规相对滞后的矛盾、行业规范的缺失与技术监控的瓶颈、从业人员缺乏道德素养与受众的主体意识退化等。