Male bonding and the persecution of homosexual men in Nazi Germany

Samenvatting

Most explanations of the Nazi persecution of male (M) homosexuals concentrate on demographic policies and racism. An alternative interpretation is presented, stressing the role of M bonding through social contact among Ms in schools, the armed forces, and other social structures. Fear existed that homosexuality was a disease, and could infect normally heterosexual Ms and their hierarchical relationships. Thus, analogues to the Jewish Holocaust are not applicable. Adapted from the source document.