UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS PERCEPTION OF HOMOSEXUALITY AND ITS EFFECT ON SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT IN CAMPUS: A SURVEY OF BENSON IDAHOSA UNIVERSITY, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

Abstract

With the increase of civilization and urban growth in Nigeria today as well as the freedom enjoyed by students of various institutions of higher learning in Nigeria, different kinds of sexual orientation have developed with homosexuality being one of them. Homosexuality which can be said to be romantic attraction or sexual activity with people of the same sex has received a lot of interest and is seen as a social problem that needs to be solved. Homosexuality is often considered to be a moral issue in society, particularly in religious groups; whether it should be considered socially acceptable is an ongoing debate that has affected many. However, there have been different kinds of attitudes towards homosexuality and those who practice it. In Nigeria, it is highly frowned upon and is believed to have a negative impact on society. It is seen as a crime in Nigeria and constitutes as a deviant behavior. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the attitude or perception of undergraduate students towards homosexuality in Benson Idahosa University. The objective of this study is to determine how students perceive homosexuality, to find out how the perceptions that BIU undergraduate students have towards homosexuals affects the social adjustments of homosexual students and to also find out how students get involved in homosexuality. The objective of this study will be analyzed using a cross sectional descriptive survey study that will be conducted among BIU undergraduate students (total 2,251), using a structured questionnaire which will be distributed to a sample size of 150 students using systematic random sampling method. From the questionnaire distributed, one of the findings discovered is that respondents clearly state that gender exclusive schools can be seen as a contributing cause of homosexuality. In some cases, due to same sex schooling, heterosexual students have resorted to same sex intercourse with the aim of satisfying their sexual desire; therefore, we can say that homosexuality is learned. A recommendation for this finding is that the government, educational policy makers and stakeholders should stop gender exclusive schools which has been observed to be a contributing cause of homosexuality. Mixed schools should be promoted and encouraged instead.

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urn:uuid:58c4bd84-730c-4a2c-967c-b0b4de74d132