Sexual Identity

Question 1

Harding (2011)

Answer 1

Queer theory explores the oppressive power of dominant norms relating to sexuality, and the problems they cause to those who can’t (or don’t wish to) live according to those norms

Question 2

Weeks (1987)

Answer 2

Not many people say “I am heterosexual” when asking about identity as to say “ I am gay” makes a statement about belonging.

Sexual identity tends to be more significant to those who aren’t heterosexual

Question 3

Rich (1980)

Answer 3

Woman’s sexuality is oppressed by patriarchal society. Women are forced into compulsory heterosexuality.

Lesbian identity has been construed as “abnormal” as it’s a threat to male dominance over women

Question 4

Macintosh (1996)

Answer 4

Homosexual cultural characteristics are chosen once identity is accepted

Question 5

The Kinsey report

Answer 5

found 37% if men reported homosexual experiences but less than 4% identified as homosexual

Question 6

The identity class model

Answer 6

6 stage process for “coming out”:

1) identity confusion
2) identity comparison
3)identity tolerance
4)identity acceptance
5) identity pride
6) identity synthesis

Question 7

Kinsey scale

Answer 7

Was made in order to demonstrate that sexuality doesn’t fit into 2 strict categories

0) exclusively heterosexual
1) predominantly heterosexual, only incidentally homosexual
2) predominantly heterosexual, but more then incidentally homosexual
3) equally heterosexual and homosexual
4) predominantly homosexual, but more than incidentally heterosexual
5) predominantly homosexual, only incidentally heterosexual
6) exclusively homosexual
X) no socio-sexual contacts or reactions