Male and female homosexuality (discussion)

Abstract

Cohler J. Male and Female Homosexuality (Discussion). Int Forum Psychoanal 1992; 1:79-83. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X

This discussion raises questions about an apparent basic assumption in Professor Dr Rohde-Dachser's paper: homosexuality contributes primarily to progression. Rather than seeing homosexuality as a variant of a normal developmental line, this discussion concurs with Freud, Bieber, Socarides, McDougall et al, that it represents a deviation from a normal developmental line. Moreover our view is in contrast to Professor Dr. Rohde-Dachser's in disputing that the homosexual line of development is progressive. While homosexuality may be adaptive, it is seen as developmentally archaic in terms of adult functioning. To illustrate this point of view the psychoanalysis of an adult male is presented in brief. We conclude here that the homosexual adaptation is an archaic structure representing fixation and regression, rather than being a separate yet maturationally progressive branch of development as Professor Dr. Rhode-Dachser proposes.