Outline and briefly evaluate the view that attitudes to sexuality and sexual identity remain traditional
OCR
A Level
2022
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Attitudes to Sexuality and Sexual Identity: A Traditional View?
This essay will explore the view that attitudes towards sexuality and sexual identity remain traditional, critically examining the evidence both for and against this claim.
AO1: Knowledge and Understanding
Heteronormativity and Compulsory Heterosexuality
Compulsory heterosexuality, as articulated by Adrienne Rich, argues that women are forced into heterosexuality to serve a patriarchal society, making them "available" to men. This reinforces the traditional view that heterosexuality is the norm, and anything else is deviant.
The Homosexual Identity
Weeks highlights that the identification of homosexuality is distinct, whereas those who identify as heterosexual do not need to label themselves. This suggests that homosexuality is still seen as a separate category, reinforcing traditional, binary views of sexuality.
Traditional Roles and Societal Expectations
McIntosh's concept of the "homosexual role" describes traditional societal expectations placed upon homosexual individuals, often reinforcing stereotypes and limiting their expression of identity. This further supports the argument that traditional views persist.
Exclusion and Subcultures
Homosexuality has historically been marginalized and excluded from mainstream culture. Plummer's "homosexual careers" illustrate how individuals navigate this exclusion, often forming subcultures as a means of coping. This reinforces the traditional societal view of homosexuality as a deviation from the norm.
Perceptions of Wrongness
Reiss's work on rent boys highlights how even individuals engaging in homosexual acts may not identify as gay, perceiving homosexuality as "wrong" and despising their clients. This demonstrates that traditional negative perceptions of homosexuality persist, even amongst those who engage in same-sex activity.
Media Representations
The media often reinforces traditional views of sexuality through stereotypical representation. For example, the works of Batchelor, Craig, and Gerber provide examples of how media representations can perpetuate traditional stereotypes and contribute to the persistence of traditional attitudes.
AO2: Application
The evidence presented above suggests that traditional views of sexuality persist. The emphasis on compulsory heterosexuality, the need for homosexual individuals to identify themselves as distinct, the continued existence of societal expectations associated with homosexuality, and the marginalization of homosexual communities all point towards a society that still upholds traditional, binary views of sexuality. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that these are not the only perspectives on sexuality. The evolving nature of societal attitudes and the increasing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals necessitate a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding sexual identity in contemporary society.
Has Society Moved Past Traditional Attitudes Towards Sexuality and Sexual Identity?
This essay will explore the view that despite advancements in LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, attitudes towards sexuality and sexual identity remain inherently traditional. While some may argue that modern society is more accepting, evidence suggests that heteronormative assumptions continue to permeate various social institutions and individual attitudes.
The Persistence of Compulsory Heterosexuality
Adrienne Rich's concept of "compulsory heterosexuality" remains a powerful lens through which to analyse the enduring power of traditional attitudes. Rich argues that women are socialised into heterosexuality, not out of inherent desire, but as a mechanism to maintain patriarchal power structures. This pressure to conform to heterosexual norms is evident in the societal expectation for women to marry men and have children, reinforcing the idea that female sexuality exists primarily for male pleasure and societal reproduction. This pressure, often subtle and insidious, serves to limit women's choices and reinforces a traditional view of sexuality.
The "Othering" of Non-Heterosexual Identities
Furthermore, the very act of identifying as anything other than heterosexual reveals the enduring power of tradition. As Jeffrey Weeks observed, heterosexual individuals do not typically feel the need to actively identify as such. In contrast, individuals with non-heterosexual identities often feel compelled to explicitly label themselves, highlighting their difference from the assumed norm. This labelling inherently reinforces the idea of heterosexuality as the default, pushing alternative sexualities to the margins of societal acceptance.
The Enduring Influence of Traditional Roles and Stereotypes
Traditional roles and stereotypes further perpetuate a binary view of sexuality. McIntosh's work on "the homosexual role" demonstrates how societal expectations extend beyond sexual preference to encompass a range of behaviours and characteristics. These stereotypical portrayals, often reinforced by media representations as seen in Batchelor, Craig, and Gerber's research, limit understanding and acceptance of the diversity within non-heterosexual communities. These limiting portrayals maintain the idea of heterosexuality as the "normal" and "acceptable" form of sexual expression.
Even within non-heterosexual relationships, the pressure to conform to traditional, heteronormative relationship models is evident. The increasing acceptance of same-sex marriage, while a positive step, can be seen as an attempt to fit non-heterosexual relationships into a traditionally heterosexual framework. This pressure to conform can limit the exploration of alternative relationship models and reinforces the dominance of traditional structures.
Challenging Traditional Attitudes: Signs of Progress and Ongoing Challenges
While traditional attitudes persist, it is crucial to acknowledge the progress made in recent decades. Increased legal rights, growing LGBTQ+ visibility in media, and changing social norms suggest a shift towards greater acceptance. However, these positive developments often coexist with a backlash from those who perceive these changes as a threat to traditional values. The continued existence of homophobic and transphobic violence, discrimination, and prejudice highlights the urgent need for ongoing education, activism, and social change.
Conclusion: A Contested Landscape
In conclusion, while progress has been made in challenging traditional attitudes towards sexuality and sexual identity, the evidence suggests that heteronormative assumptions remain deeply ingrained within society. Compulsory heterosexuality, the "othering" of non-heterosexual identities, and the persistence of traditional roles and stereotypes all contribute to a social environment where deviation from the heterosexual norm is often met with resistance. While the journey towards true equality and acceptance is far from complete, acknowledging the enduring legacy of traditional attitudes is essential for creating a future where sexual diversity is celebrated rather than simply tolerated.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
AO1: Knowledge and Understanding
Do not credit answers that focus on gender identity with no reference to sexual identity.
The following list is indicative of possible factors/evidence that candidates may refer to but is not prescriptive or exhaustive. Some evidence can be applied for or against the claim dependent on its use.
- Compulsory heterosexuality (Rich) – women are forced into heterosexuality to suit a patriarchal society and be ‘available’ to men.
- Weeks – the identification of homosexuality is distinct whereas those who heterosexual don’t need to identify themselves.
- Traditional roles associated with homosexuality (McIntosh the homosexual role)
- Homosexuals as a subculture excluded from mainstream culture (e.g. Plummer – homosexual careers)
- Reiss – homosexuality is perceived as wrong even by rent boys who do not identify as gay, despising the clients.
- Media representations reinforce traditional sexuality – e.g. Batchelor / Craig / Gerber.
AO2: Application
The selected knowledge should be directly related to the specific question – whether sexual identity is traditional or not.