HOMOSEXUALITY AND THE SOCIAL MEANING OF GENDER

It is argued that disapprobation of homosexual behavior is a reaction to the violation of gender norms, rather than simple scorn for the sexual practices of gay men & lesbian women. Negative social & legal attitudes toward homosexuality, it is suggested, can best be understood as preserving...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Wisconsin law review 1988-01 (2), p.187-235
Main Author: Law, Sylvia A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Homosexuality
Sex Role Identity
Social Acceptance
Social Factors
United States of America
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:It is argued that disapprobation of homosexual behavior is a reaction to the violation of gender norms, rather than simple scorn for the sexual practices of gay men & lesbian women. Negative social & legal attitudes toward homosexuality, it is suggested, can best be understood as preserving traditional concepts of masculinity & feminity, & those traditional concepts in turn sustain particular political, market, & family structures. This thesis is developed by examining the US Supreme Court's decision in Bowers v. Hardwick, & by reviewing the histories of antihomosexual thought & resistance to discrimination. HA
ISSN:0043-650X