Explaining Positions on Same-Sex Sexuality in Conservative Societies: Do Cultural and Religious Precepts Matter?

Abstract

Studies show that social rituals, norms, and values shape perspectives on sexuality in many heteronormative societies. However, a handful of studies have explored the underlying factors and reasoning behind this assertion. Leaning on the theory of social integration, this study qualitatively explored how residents in Kumasi Metropolitan area in Ghana, explained their perception of same-sex sexuality given the profound religious and cultural milieu. Drawing on in-depth interviews and a group discussion, data were obtained from adults aged 18 to 59 years for the study. The findings supported the claim that same-sex sexuality is disapproved in conservative societies. Reasons and concerns including procreation, spirituality, economic attributes, mechanism of sexual intercourse, and origin of same-sex sexuality emerged as grounds for disapproval of same-sex sexuality. However, underneath these reasons were inherent cultural and religious values of the people. The study posits that, it is essential for contextual elements that shape perspectives on sexuality such as religion and culture to be granted the requisite attention in a bid to understand the meanings ascribed to non-heterosexuality in different contexts.