Gilbert Herdt: Homosexuality as an Institutional Category
This article analyzes how cultural norms regarding sexuality shape the modern economy. Gilbert Herdt argues that homosexuality is not merely a fact of nature, but an "invention" of modern medicine and law used for state population control. Understanding this mechanism reveals that the heteronormative model of life generates real economic costs. The marginalization of LGBTIQ individuals leads to a waste of human capital and reduced productivity. Inclusion, therefore, becomes not only an ethical issue but a test of institutional rationality and a prerequisite for economic growth.
Three Western Myths and the Medicalization of Sexuality
Western discourse on same-sex relationships is built upon three myths: moral evil, disease, and choice. The medicalization of sexuality, as described by Foucault, marked a transition from the paradigm of sin to the paradigm of disease. The doctor replaced the theologian, yet oppressive hierarchies remained intact, justifying the subordination of individuals through the language of diagnosis.
The Myth of Choice and Nature vs. Will: The Logical Contradiction of Traditional Morality
The myth of choice is internally contradictory. Conservative narratives simultaneously claim that homosexuality is "against nature" (thus requiring effort/choice) and that it is an "innate inclination." This logical contradiction exposes that the system does not seek truth, but rather the production of obedience. If orientation stems from nature, stigmatizing it as a "choice of evil" loses all justification.
Sexual Lifeways: Greece and Sambia
Herdt proposes the term sexual lifeways as an alternative to the Western category of "orientation." In many cultures, same-sex desire was institutionalized. In ancient Greece, the relationship between the erastes and eromenos served to transmit civic virtue. Among the Sambia people, these practices were part of military-religious rituals essential for achieving manhood.
Initiation Rituals and the Modern Coming Out Process
In tribal societies, the transition to adulthood was public and organized. Modern coming out is an informal, solitary ritual that becomes a political gesture. The individual must independently challenge the "heterosexual axiom," which often involves years of fear and shame, generating measurable losses in social capital.
LGBTIQ Marginalization Lowers GDP and Inhibits the Economy
The economy of shame is a waste. Research by M. V. L. Badgett and the OECD shows that LGBT inclusion correlates with growth in GDP per capita. The closet and camouflage in the workplace force individuals to waste psychological energy hiding their identity, which drastically lowers productivity and stifles innovation.
The Paradox of Professionalism and Corporate Language as a Tool of Violence
In business, there exists a paradox of professionalism: heterosexuality is treated as a neutral background, while disclosing a different orientation is deemed "unprofessional privacy." Corporate language (e.g., forms) often employs symbolic violence, excluding non-heteronormative individuals and impoverishing the firm's symbolic capital.
Nordic and German Models: DEI Strategies and Urban Competitiveness
The Nordic model institutionalizes equality across family forms, increasing labor market participation. The German model focuses on diversity management (DEI) as a tool in the war for talent. Open For Business reports confirm: LGBT inclusion drives innovation and urban competitiveness, creating stronger economic ecosystems.
Summary
Is inclusion, once seen as an act of justice, becoming a pragmatic survival strategy in the global economy? By accepting sexual diversity, we discover not only economic potential but also a deeper humanistic richness. In a world where normalcy is constantly being redefined, the question of who has the right to be visible becomes a question about the future of us all.
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