LGBT Theory Flashcards
2 Categories of LGBT Identity Development Models
- Sociological
- community impact
- dev. of social roles
- managing stigma
- coming-out process
- Psychological
- internal changes
- formation of self-image
- personal decisions about identity management
Cass’s Model of SO Identity Formation
- 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
Cass’s Stages
- 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
Cass’s Prestage 1
- initially perceive self as heterosexual
- internal conflict emerges between self-concept and perceptions of others
- movement or foreclosure possible
Cass’s Stage 1: Identity Confusion
- first awareness that behavior/feelings could be labeled gay or lesbian
- reducing discomfort is primary focus of stage
Cass’s Stage 2: Identity Comparison
- 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
Cass’s Stage 3: Identity Tolerance
- acknowledges being gay/lesbian
- seeks other LGBT to reduce alienation
Cass’s Stage 4: Identity Acceptance
- 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
Cass’s Stage 5: Identity Pride
- focus on gay issues/acitivism
Cass’s Stage 6: Identity Synthesis
- final stage
- gay/lesbian & hetero worlds are less dichotomized
- public & private ID = congruent
- Sexual Identity = one aspect, not entire ID
Criticisms of Cass’s Model
- 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
Fassinger’s Model of Gay & Lesbian ID Development
- 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
Fassinger’s 4 phases of SI dev - Individual
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
Fassinger’s 4 phases of SI Dev. - Group
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
Fassinger’s 4 phase Sexual ID Devl notes
- 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
D’Augelli’s Model of L, G, Bi Development
- life span model based on ID as social construct shaped by environment, changeable thru life
- social barriers add time to SI development
- theory = change over time
- personal actions & subjectivities
- interactive intimacies
- sociohistorical connections
- “Developmental Plasticity” - fluid response by person to environment at varying times
- each person = different developmetal path
- Person as agent in own development
D’Augelli’s Life Span Model Variables
- Personal subjectivities & actions
- one’s perceptions & feelings of his/her SI
- actual behaviors & attached meanings
- Interactive Intimacies
- influence of family, friends, peer groups, intimate partnerships and attached meanings
- Sociohistorical connections
- social norms, policies, laws within geographical location & culture
- values of historical period
D’Augelli’s Identity Development Process
Six interactive processes (not stages)
- Exiting heterosexual ID
- self awareness & coming out
- Developing personal LGB ID status
- internal reconciling
- Developing LGB social ID
- determing support network
- Becoming LGB offspring
- coming out to parents & redefining relationship afterward
- can be most difficult process for college students
- Developing LGB intimacy status
- learning to define couple norms w/few role models
- Entering LGB community
- varying commitment to social & political action
- some never do this process
Inclusive Approaches to Campus Policies
- LGBT support services
- LGBT programming
- LGBT topics infused into curriculum
- Faculty & Staff allies
- Active homophobic intervention
Heterosexuality ID Development
- Worthington’s Multidimensional Model considers psychological & social aspects
- ID recognition of privilege & power associated Sex’l ID = important
- 6 interactive factors
- 2 processes (internal/external)
Worthington’s Multidimensional Model
- 2 Processes:
- Internal (self),
- external (social ID)
- 6 interactive factors
- biology (maturity)
- microsocial context (sig others’ values)
- gender norms & socialization
- culture (place, time)
- religious orientation (degree)
- systemic homonegativity, sexual prejudice, & negativity (power)