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Rover -> RE: Hard wired for BDSM? (12/14/2007 7:45:36 PM)
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ORIGINAL: SensibleSam
Rather obviously D/s is nothing at all like homosexuality biologically - only poltically.
Actually, I would argue the reverse. So does the medical evidence.
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Consider the case for male homosexuality being genetic.
Yes, let's. The same percentage (approximately ten %) of many species seems to be homosexual. That's true in birds, apes, and humans (amongst others). That would tend to suggest a significant genetic component. Though that does not imply that genetics are the single factor in determining sexual orientation (ie: genetics can provide a predisposition, which can then be affected by environment in unknown ways).
There are also studies of twins that strongly suggest a genetic component to homosexuality (http://www.tim-taylor.com/papers/twin_studies/).
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Gay men have an enormous selection disadvange. That is to say if there were a spontaneous mutation that caused a man to prefer male sex partners, he would suffer greatly reduced odds for passing on his genotype.
And yet a consistent percentage of humans (and other species) are homosexual. That would tend to imply a consistent genetic deviation.
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These things can be calculated and it is clear that any such hypothetical simple gene is impossible. There are complicated but not very convincing theories as to how a gene for male homosexuality yields greater fertility for the man's sisters and so on balance has a postive selection advantage.
Key phrase being "simple gene". No, there is no single "gay gene". Genes don't operate that way. There are complex genetic components, acting upon one another, in concert with one another, and influenced by exposures to differing hormone levels during gestation, and environmental factors post-birth that we do not understand. And yet there is, undeniably, a significant genetic component.
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It is possible that there is some genetic component or interaction in male homosexuality, but if so it isn't through any obvious simple genetic mechanism.
Do not discard or diminish the genetic component just because it isn't simple. There is no simple genetic mechanism for the development of a nose, mouth, eyes, two hands/feet/arms/legs, etc. either, and yet we know that they are genetic in origin.
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On the other hand standard male/Dominant and female/submissive theory doesn't need any arcane and counterintuitive genetic mechanism to be postulated.
"Me tarzan, you jane" isn't arcane? If your point is that men are generally physically dominant, then we might be in agreement (though there are exceptions to that generalization as well). But if your point is that the Dominant and submissive roles in relationship dynamics are gender related, then I would take issue with you. By what basis do you come to this conclusion?
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Standard male/female D/s increases sexual activity.
Seriously, what orafice did you pull this out of? Can you cite a single study that would suggest anything of the sort?
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Presumably it thereby increases progeny. If there were a single Mendelian allele for BDSM it would be favored by natural selection because it would tend to result in more babies. This is straighforward Darwin.
Please share with us any human trait or characteristic that is contained in a single Mendelian allele. List them all... I'll wait. You can't because they don't exist.
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However the real answer is even simpler than that. Dominance and submission are widespread among mammals, especially among mammals who live socially. In most cases the Dominant male has exclusive or nearly exclusive access to the females. The females willingly submit sexually to the Dominant male. Baboons, orangatangs, gorillas, and chimps are organized this way. Dominant males beat the females (and lower rank males) routinely.
You're confusing physical dominance within a group, with a Dominant dynamic within a personal relationship. They are unrelated, unless you'd like to admit that you're submissive because I can whip your.... ahem.
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Go visit the Monkey House at your local zoo. BDSM won'r seem so strange to you after that.
Seriously, what do you know of BDSM? About as much as you know of genetics.
John
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