Final answer:
David Halperin argues that homosexuality is not a natural fact but a cultural production or effect. The social construction of sexuality posits that societal norms and cultural contexts shape how we understand and experience sexuality, which is supported by research and scholarly works including those by cultural anthropologists and Judith Butler.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to David Halperin, homosexuality is not a natural fact, but rather a cultural production or a cultural effect. Sociologists and cultural anthropologists understand sexuality, including homosexuality and heterosexuality, to be socially constructed concepts. This view contrasts with biological determinism, which would link behaviors and identities strictly to biology without consideration for cultural and social influences.
In some cultures, heteronormativity has been challenged, recognizing that sexual practices can vary widely and that same-sex practices are common in many societies, despite an expectation of heterosexual marriage. This understanding aligns with the broader academic consensus that both gender and sexuality are the results of social construction.