LGBT Theory Flashcards
1
Q
2 Categories of LGBT Identity Development Models
A
- Sociological
- community impact
- dev. of social roles
- managing stigma
- coming-out process
- Psychological
- internal changes
- formation of self-image
- personal decisions about identity management
2
Q
Cass’s Model of SO Identity Formation
A
- 1979; based on clinical work in Australia
- 6 stages of perception & behavior
- person is active agent in stage progression
- eah stage has potential movement or foreclosure
- not all will pass through each stage
- societal norms = identity is fixed; essential
- cognitive (self) and affective (feelings of others’ perceptions) component
3
Q
Cass’s Stages
A
- Prestage 1
- Stage 1: Identity Confusion
- Stage 2: Identity Comparison
- Stage 3: Identity Tolerance
- Stage 4: Identity Acceptance
- Stage 5: Identity Pride
- Stage 6: Identity Synthesis
4
Q
Cass’s Prestage 1
A
- initially perceive self as heterosexual
- internal conflict emerges between self-concept and perceptions of others
- movement or foreclosure possible
5
Q
Cass’s Stage 1: Identity Confusion
A
- first awareness that behavior/feelings could be labeled gay or lesbian
- reducing discomfort is primary focus of stage
6
Q
Cass’s Stage 2: Identity Comparison
A
- once person accepts possibility of being gay/lesbian, signals entry into this stage
- emotions range from ostracism to relief
- must determine how to cope socially
7
Q
Cass’s Stage 3: Identity Tolerance
A
- acknowledges being gay/lesbian
- seeks other LGBT to reduce alienation
8
Q
Cass’s Stage 4: Identity Acceptance
A
- self-perception solid, inner-self tenuous
- selective self-disclosure to heterosexuals
- person’s social group norms determine comfort with coming out
- greater commitment here to identity = greater stability
9
Q
Cass’s Stage 5: Identity Pride
A
- focus on gay issues/acitivism
10
Q
Cass’s Stage 6: Identity Synthesis
A
- final stage
- gay/lesbian & hetero worlds are less dichotomized
- public & private ID = congruent
- Sexual Identity = one aspect, not entire ID
11
Q
Criticisms of Cass’s Model
A
- don’t have to pass through all to reach 6
- women’s behavior is more variable than men
- reflects political/social forces of 1970s
- suggest Stage 7: living out for 21st Century
- Cass’s study lacked age, race, ethnic diversity
- did not differentiate ID develop outside of and within LGBT community
- long-term mapping = non-linear progression & experiences
- non-European cultures don’t always stigmatize Sexual identity
- African Americans have more difficult time
12
Q
Fassinger’s Model of Gay & Lesbian ID Development
A
- 2 parallel processes of ID development
- individual sexual ID
- internal awareness & acceptance
- group membership ID
- ID in society
- ID w/in LGBT community
- individual sexual ID
- each has 4 sequential phases
- coming out is not integral
13
Q
Fassinger’s 4 phases of SI dev - Individual
A
Individual identity development
- Awareness
- perceive self as different
- Exploration
- actively investigate feelings
- Deepening/Commitment
- sense of self & ID strengthens, internalized
- Internalization/Synthesis
- sexual ID becomes part of overall ID
14
Q
Fassinger’s 4 phases of SI Dev. - Group
A
Group Membership ID development
- Awareness of others w/different SO
- Exploring
- relationship to LGBT community
- Deepening/Commitment
- make personal commitment & accept potential negative effects
- Internalization/synthesis
- internalization of a minority group ID across contexts
15
Q
Fassinger’s 4 phase Sexual ID Devl notes
A
- Individual & Group ID develop can be at different phases
- horizontal decalage is factor
- most researchers prefer Fassinger to Cass b/c = internal & external processes
- Cass= internal
- Fassinger used very diverse subjects
- ability to conquer SI reflects on cognitive development
