Male homosexuality, Identity (Psychology), Psychosexual Development, Homosexuality, Men--Psychology 

An essential resource for clinicians wishing guidelines for evaluating males with conflicts involving sexual orientation and for researchers and students of sexual behavior, this book is the first to integrate recent psychobiological, gender identity, and family studies with psychoanalytic theory. Editorial Reviews From Library Journal These two works represent quite different methods of coming to terms with the reality of homosexuality in contemporary society. Friedman (psychiatry, Columbia) writes primarily for his professional colleagues, while Ruse (philosophy, University of Guelph) addresses a host of medical, ethical, and social questions related to homosexuality from the point of view of a philosopher. Both survey in detail current research in medicine and the behavioral sciences relevant to the subject, and both argue that the origins of homosexuality remain largely unknown but that its etiology is most certainly multifactorial. Friedman contrasts gay men with men at other points on the Kinsey scale, concluding that homosexuality per se cannot be considered as pathological. He focuses considerable attention on the role of childhood "unmasculinity" in the origins of adult male homosexuality, complementing such works as Richard Green's The "Sissy Boy Syndrome" and the Development of Homosexuality ( LJ 3/1/87). Ruse's careful questioning results in a comprehensive analysis of issues relating to homosexuality in both men and women. He contends that contemporary society has a positive obligation to tolerate homosexual activity but rejects the suggestion of affirmative action. Both books are welcome additions to the growing literature on the subject, though smaller public libraries may opt for Ruse over Friedman, since Ruse will appeal to a more general readership. James Michael MacLeod, Library of Congress Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.