Abstract
In-depth interviews with women having a history of bisexual behavior and/or a bisexual self-identification revealed only moderate correspondence between behavior and identity. A general description is provided of the sexual relationships of the respondents. The major focus is on the wide diversity of self-identified bisexual women, especially in terms of self-perceived sexual and emotional needs, circumstances precipitating heterosexual and homosexual behavior, and ideological supports for a bisexual life style. Heterosexual behavior among homosexual women is discussed in terms of economic necessity, experimentation, and the response of the lesbian community. Homosexual behavior among heterosexual women is discussed in terms of responses to different kinds of situational exigencies and the rationalizations used to deal with the experience while insulating the heterosexual self-identification.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bem, D. J. (1972). Self-perception theory. In Berkowitz, L. (ed.),Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, Vol. 6, Academic Press, New York.
Blumstein, P. W., and Schwartz, P. (1974a). Lesbianism and bisexuality. In Goode, E., and Troiden, R. R. (eds.),Sexual Deviance and Sexual Deviants Morrow, New York.
Blumstein, P. W., and Schwartz, P. (1974b). The acquisition of sexual identity: The bisexual case. Paper presented before the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association, Montreal.
Giallombardo, R. (1966).Society of Women Wiley, New York.
Giallombardo, R. (1974).The Social World of Imprisoned Girls Wiley, New York.
Hedblom, J. H. (1973). Dimensions of lesbian sexual experience.Arch. Sex. Behav. 2: 329–341.
Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., and Martin, C. E. (1948).Sexual Behavior in the Human Male Saunders, Philadelphia.
Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., Martin, C. E., and Gebhard, P. H. (1953).Sexual Behavior in the Human Female Saunders, Philadelphia.
McCaghy, C. H., and Skipper, J. K., Jr. (1969). Lesbian behavior as an adaptation to the occupation of stripping.Soc. Probl. 17: 262–270.
Saghir, M. T., and Robins, E. (1973).Male and Female Homosexuality Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore.
Ward, D. A., and Kassebaum, G. G. (1965).Women's Prison: Sex and Social Structure Aldine, Chicago.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Blumstein, P.W., Schwartz, P. Bisexuality in women. Arch Sex Behav 5, 171–181 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01541873
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01541873