Marginalized Sexuality and Masculinity: An Ethnographic Exploration of Adolescent Homophobic Language in a Rural High School
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: Researchers have examined homophobic language (HL) with both qualitative and quantitative methods and have studied HL's relationship to multiple factors such as sexual prejudice, masculinity, and religiosity. However, our understanding of this language, while expanding, is still limited because the meaning of this evolving language varies depending on the context in which the language is used. In order to get a more in-depth and current understanding of this language, I conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 males who were high school seniors. I also conducted 102 hours of observations in their high school. I analyzed the interviews and observations with a phenomenological hermeneutic method. Based on the interpretations from this analysis, findings indicated that students used HL in order to marginalize other students; to both challenge adult authority and also to emulate admired adults; to get attention and assert authority by using rebellious and taboo language; to explore and understand certain aspects of sexuality and masculinity; to police sexuality and masculinity within the parameters of traditional and expected roles; and to increase group cohesion. I explored each of these themes in detail and considered how students both shape and are shaped by their culture. To conclude, I offer suggestions for strategies to support a more accepting culture and to decrease the use of HL.
Author: Benjamin M. Bailey
Institution: Brigham Young University
Language: English
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2529886421