Should sexual offenders be castrated? Explain your answer in light of what is known about the effects of castration.
What will be an ideal response?
Given the knowledge we possess about the effects of castration on sexual behavior, it seems fair to suggest that in treating sex offenders, castration should not be used in isolation alone, but rather in conjunction with intensive psychotherapy. There are various reasons for suggesting this. With either physical castration or chemical castration, the man is left with little natural testosterone in his body. Numerous experiments with other species have demonstrated that the effect of this low level of testosterone is a sharply reduced sex drive and the virtual elimination of sexual behavior. However, the effects in humans are not so clear, because we are not as hormone dependent as other species. There are documented cases of castrated men continuing to engage in sexual intercourse for years after the castration. Castration may reduce sexual behavior in humans, but its effects are not completely predictable. Furthermore, testosterone is available artificially, either by pill or by injection, so a physically castrated criminal might secretly obtain replacement testosterone. Lastly, many experts are of the opinion that rape is an aggressive crime that is expressed sexually and not a sex crime per se. This opinion brings in a psychological angle to the act of rape. One may conclude by saying that castration may reduce the chances of the man committing the rape again, but such effects cannot be guaranteed. Treatment would have to be reinforced through intensive psychotherapy.
You might also like to view...
An important point to keep in mind regarding anal intercourse is that _______
a. the risk of transmitting a STI is especially high with unprotected anal intercourse b. it usually does not transmit HIV c. it is solely a homosexual activity d. it causes no damage to the rectal walls
What diagnostic "marker" is used as a potential indicator of spina bifida in the fetus?
a. alpha fetoprotein c. delta neuroglobin b. beta creatin d. gamma fetal growth factor
Of all the forms of sexual chauvinism, one of the most severe is when someone is labeled ________ meaning that their behavior is dysfunctional compared to the people who uphold the culture's norms
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).
Which of the following is true of the "never married" group?
A. It excludes homosexual people who cannot marry because of the law. B. It consists of priests, nuns, and people who remain single because they have taken a vow of celibacy. C. It consists solely of individuals who have chosen to remain single for life. D. It includes individuals who intend to marry some day in the future and those who have decided to remain single.