Bisexuality challenges psychology because it cannot be neatly categorized into binary categories such as male/female, homosexual/heterosexual, black/white, left/right, good/bad, or true/false. It is a state of being that falls somewhere along an infinite spectrum between those poles and can exist simultaneously alongside them, blurring any clear distinction between them. This challenges psychologists who have traditionally relied on categorical thinking to understand human behavior, leading to new models based on continua rather than dichotomies.
The term bisexual refers to someone who is romantically or sexually attracted to both men and women. It does not mean "bisexual behavior," which can refer to experimentation, curiosity, or occasional desire for same-sex partners. A person may identify as bisexual if they consistently experience attraction to different genders.
Sexual orientation is not fixed and can change throughout life. Therefore, someone's self-identification as bisexual should be respected even if their actions contradict this identification.
In psychological research, binaries are often used to simplify complex phenomena.
Some studies classify individuals as either introverts or extroverts, but these traits exist on a continuum with many shades in between. Categorizing people according to a single characteristic leads to reductionism, where other factors (such as age, culture, environment) are ignored or overlooked. Continuum-based models allow for greater complexity by acknowledging the nuances of individual experiences and context.
Bisexuality challenges our assumptions about gender roles and identities. Many cultures define gender as binary, with males and females assigned specific behaviors, interests, and social roles. Bisexuals challenge these assumptions by defying gender norms and expressing themselves beyond rigid definitions. They also challenge heteronormativity, the belief that heterosexuality is normal and natural, leading to more openness toward non-traditional relationships and identities.
Psychology has traditionally focused on male-female pairings in its research, with limited data available on same-gender couples. This leaves out a significant portion of the population who identify as bisexual, pansexual, polyamorous, or otherwise. Expanding research to include all forms of intimate relationships could lead to new insights into human behavior and relationships.
A common misconception about bisexuality is that it means being equally attracted to both genders. In reality, attraction can vary depending on circumstance, mood, and partner characteristics. Someone may feel more or less attracted to different genders at different times, making categorical thinking problematic. Another myth is that bisexuals must be promiscuous or unable to commit to one partner, but this too ignores the complexities of intimacy and eroticism.
Continuum-based models can help psychologists understand sexuality's fluid nature and complexities.
Some studies have found that sexual orientation exists along a spectrum between exclusively homoerotic and exclusively heteroerotic, with bisexuality falling somewhere in the middle. Others suggest that sexuality is not just an either/or choice but a continuum of attractions that change over time. These models allow for greater flexibility and nuance than binary thinking.
Bisexuality also challenges assumptions about what constitutes "normal" sex. Many people assume that only cisgender men penetrate cisgender women in heterosexual encounters, leaving no room for nonbinary identities, trans individuals, or other sexual expressions. Bisexuality includes a wider range of experiences, from oral to anal sex, role play to kink, and beyond. It also allows for consensually nonmonogamous relationships like polyamory, swinging, and open marriages.
The challenge of bisexual experience goes beyond psychology; it requires society as a whole to rethink its definitions of gender, identity, and intimacy. Only by recognizing the complexity of human behavior and desires can we create spaces where all individuals feel safe and included. Continuum-based models offer hope for a more inclusive future, where everyone is free to express themselves authentically without fear of judgment or stigma.
How does bisexual experience challenge psychology to move beyond categorical thinking toward continuum-based models?
The psychology of bisexuality challenges the field to move beyond categorical thinking by emphasizing the fluidity and diversity of sexual orientation. Bisexuality can be defined as attraction towards multiple genders, with no preference for one gender over another, or equal attraction towards both.