2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Most important study on feminine boys., August 8, 2011
This review is from: The Sissy Boy Syndrome: The Development of Homosexuality (The Institution for Social and Policy St) (Paperback)
Although this study was published in 1987 it still remains one of the most important works on homosexuality, transsexualism and feminine behavior in boys. When green started this study he wanted to/thought he was investigating the origins of transsexualism by following more than 30 feminine boys who were all called "sissies" by other children. Several of the boys also said either that they wanted to be girls or that they were girls. To his eventually surprise all most all these boys ended being gay and NOT transsexual, at age 18 only one was unsure of his gender identity. Also of interest is that over the years, with no reparative therapy or "pushing" from the parents many of these boys became more much masculine as they grew up, it seems as though their feminine qualities simply "burned out" and they became regular masculine identified gay men. Yes this study is often used to justify reparative therapy to prevent homosexuality in feminine boys but that was IN NO WAY the intent or purpose of study, it was an observational study not interventional. Over the years Richard Green has proven to be an ally of the gay and trans community and he can not be held responsible for the co opting of his work by others.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
13 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
We Told You So !!!, May 6, 2006
This review is from: The Sissy Boy Syndrome: The Development of Homosexuality (The Institution for Social and Policy St) (Paperback)
I should first say that, of the extensive reading I've done on the subject of homosexuality I think this study is - by far - one of the most important. Why? Because it rings so true to my own experience. An important cravet is called for, however. What this study doesn't seem to say, and what junk psychology practioners from NARTH jump on, is that most homosexual boys who exhibit gender non-conformist behavior in childhood have basically shed the more visible signs of it by adulthood. Peer pressure - trying to fit in - and not adult professional intervention, gives the greatest motivation to modify the behavior. Also, the simple process of growing up is enough for most boys to leave behind the things of childhood and embrace adult interests. Whatever the outcome, the simple presence of gender non-conformist behavior is no barrier to happiness and success as an adult. Parents who agonize over little Joe saying he wants to marry Arnold Schwarzenegger would be rewarded with a happier son by helping him find his own center - then helping him find his own Arnold, settle down and make himself a solid foundation of home, family and career. The alternative is to treat him like a leper, never honor or encourage commitment, vote for laws that bar him from accepting the responsibilities of marriage, and thereby insure that gay-hating people can continue to say that gay relationships are doomed to failure.
The Library Journal's review of "Sissy Boy" is in stark contrast to what I've been reading of this study since it was first published. The reviewer states that "3/4 of the first group reported being homosexual or bisexual..." "...while only a single member of the second group reported such an orientation."
That's not the case. Green decided to publish this study after 3/4 of his focus group had reached age 18 and self-identified as homosexual. The other 1/4 had not yet reached age 18. What was actually learned is that of the 3/4 of the group who reached 18, **all** of them identified as homosexual. Of the "masculine" control group **none** of them reported being homosexual and **one** identified as bi-sexual. A longitudinal study with those numbers doesn't need to wait for everyone to reach the age of 18. It would have news to Green if even 5 to 10 per cent had identified as homosexual. This study asks the question, "What kind of adults will boys who exhibit gender non-conformist behavior become." The researcher finds the boys who exhibit the behavior and then simply leaves them alone until they reach adulthood. Then he pops the question; something like, "Are you homosexual, bi-sexual or heterosexual?"
In short, 100% of the focus group reaching age 18 self-reported being homosexual, or as Green and other researchers put it, they grew up to be "ordinary homosexuals." The idea that homosexuality could be predicted among children with such an astounding degree of accuracy isn't astounding or new to homosexuals themselves, but only to people who make their living (eg: psychiatrists and ministers) trying to alter or "save" someone from the behavior. There most certainly is validation for homosexuals because of this study. At the least they can say, "We TOLD YOU we didn't choose homosexuality but you refused to believe us." Or they can say, "Explain how a 5 to 10 year old boy "chooses" homosexuality when practically NO child have the maturity at those ages to even understand what "sexuality" is.
Green was known to be cock-sure that homosexuality arose from environmental circumstances. This, his own study, sent him in the opposite direction - to genetic origins. Duh! A whole lot of gays and lesbians could have saved UCLA the research funds and Green the time. But who listens to homosexuals when treating them pays your mortgage and condeming them can give you your own worldwide ministry.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book validates sissy boys everywhere!, December 5, 2004
This book is one of the very few available that validates boys who go through a sissy stage during their childhood in an intellegent fashion. Through research and analytical thinking and writing, Green finally validates that in his research he found that "it is not playing with girl toys and idenfifying with female play that makes a boy gay, it is a strong indicator that he already is gay however". Green found that 75% of the males subjects he interviewed who played with girl toys as young boys grew up gay. He is clear that it does not make them gay. Of course we know it wouldn't. Being a tomboy doesn't make girls lesbian and we accept that stage of development for girls.
THANK YOU Dr. Green!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
