CULTURE AND IDENTITY

• sexuality


  in the UK heterosexuality has been defined as the domiant sexuality in society
• heteronormativity


  it assumes that heterosexual relationships are the norm and other sexualities are seen as deviant
• law can decide who can marry, have sex, adopt etc

  gay marriage was only legalised in 2014
• stigmatized identity


  an identity that is seen in a negative way
• Goffman 


  looks at stigmatized identity

  this can lead to:

  • feelings of worthlessness
  • social withdrawal
  • lack of self confidence
  • excessive self evaluation
• Gay=stigmatized identity

  labelled negatively you will internalise that label and begin to see yourself in that negative way
• looking glass self 


  see yourself through reactions of others so if the reaction is negative it is going to have a negative effect on your sense of self
• dorias (2004) supports looking glass self


  young men who attempted suicide did so because they struggled with their own sexual identity in a homophobic society
• however events from gay pride its evident not all gay people internalise the negative labels placed upon them
• stigmatisation of homosexual identities particularly gay men is reducing celebrities and politicians who are gay have helped reduce the stigma
• however actors who have come out as gay have complained due to the industry not giving them as many roles
• discrimination


  young people may experience homophobic bullying at schools

  employees may experience verbal bullying in the workplace from colleague's and customers

  as a result people may hide their sexuality
• pink pound 


  gay people have extra money due to not being able to conceive naturally
• leisure and sexuality 


  have their own specialised choices available through the pink pound

  for example gay bars and clubs

  the involvement in these leisure choices could create a positive sense of self due to being around people that are accepting