Evalutating sexual identities Flashcards
Evaluating sexual identities. Discuss/
Whilst there has been a cultural shift in attitudes and acceptance of homosexuality and people having greater freedom of choice of their sexual identity, it is important to note that these changes are small and that the norms of sexual behaviour and sexual identities are still constructed by the agents of socialisation which still regards homosexuality as deviant.
Again, although there is an increased acceptance, homophobia is still prevalent in contemporary society which indicates that full acceptance has not been achieved yet. The Stonewall Report (2013) notes that 55% of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual young people experience homophobic bullying at school and hear homophobic language on a regular basis. 1 in 5 employees has experienced verbal bullying from other employees or customers based on their sexual orientation.
Whilst the postmodernists argue for choice, freedom and diversity, factors such as labelling, norms, values, agents of socialisation and homophobia are all preventing from this being an easy process. Therefore, choice is restricted and controlled.
Has sexuality become more accepted as an identity in contemporary society?
Yes – Many Parts
Cronin: Sexuality is a social construct. It changes over time.
Heterosexuality has changed in 3 ways: Sexual attractiveness of female body has changed. Body Image of Men and Women has changed (Hunt – obsession with slimness, Mulvey – Male Gaze). Double standards in sexual identity (Lees – Slags and Studs)
Law changes: Rise in equal rights. Equality Act 2010, Civil Partnerships (2005), Gay Marriage (2014)
Shift in cultural expectations and acceptance – gay identity has become more accepted in modern society and reinforced through media and law changes.
Rise in choice of masculinity – men more concerned about body. Gay identity now more accepted.
Consumption and Leisure – pink pound.
Postmodernism: We have choice to construct our identity through individualism. Increased diversity in society. Increased acceptance.
Has sexuality become more accepted as an identity in contemporary society?
No – Many Parts
Interactionism: stigmatised identity (Goffman), discrimination, stereotyping, self-fulfilling prophecy, master status.
Whilst PM argue that choice, freedom and choice are increasing, labelling, established norms and values, the agents of socialisation and homophobia are all preventing this from being an easy process. Choice is restricted and controlled.
Subordinate masculinity – not seen on equal status as hegemonic masculinity. It is seen as inferior and stigmatised.
LGBT face verbal and physical abuse
Different leisure activities
Gay people have a relatively low representation in the media (although this is growing)
Heteronormativity – presumption people are heterosexual before anything else.
Agents of socialisation still construct and reinforce that homosexuality is deviant and not the norm.
Homophobia is still prevalent in society – full acceptance hasn’t been reached. Stonewall Report (2013) – 55% of LGBT have experienced bullying at school and hear homophobic language on a regular basis. 1 in 5 employees have experienced verbal bullying from other employees or customers.
