Final answer:
The discussion on sexual orientation involves a range of factors, from Kinsey's sexual continuum theory to studies showing biological contributions and societal discrimination. There is no single established cause of sexual orientation, but a combination of genetic, developmental, and environmental influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Daryl Bem's theory of sexual orientation is not discussed directly in the provided references. However, in the context of sexual orientation research, it is important to note that many theories have been proposed to understand why individuals identify with a certain sexual orientation. Alfred Kinsey was a pioneer in this field, suggesting that sexuality is a continuum with his six-point rating scale, rather than a strict dichotomy of gay or straight.
His work, "Sexual Behavior in the Human Male," emphasized that males do not represent two discrete populations, but rather, human sexuality is a continuum. Genetic and biological mechanisms have been suggested as contributing factors to sexual orientation, with studies demonstrating gene-level contributions and differences in brain structure and function among those with different sexual orientations.
Despite the biological component, no single factor has been identified as the definitive cause of a person's sexual orientation. In the social context, studies such as those by Sears and Mallory reveal that individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) face discrimination, which underscores the societal challenges related to sexual orientation. Moreover, historical moments like the Lavender Scare highlight the persecution of homosexuals that followed increased awareness and led to greater scrutiny of gender orientation during the Cold War era. Understanding the complexity of sexual orientation involves acknowledging both the biological influences and the social-cultural environment in which individuals live.