Masculinity and internalised homonegativity : perspectives from Australian men

Abstract

Individuals are social actors whose behaviours are both guided and constrained by an overarching social structure-gender norms. Gender norms provide prescriptions of what gender-typical behaviour ought to be (e.g., men ought to be strong). However, there exists a rigidity in masculine gender norms, as compared to feminine gender norms, whereby social trends favour divergences from traditional gender norms for women but not for men. Furthermore, heteronormative masculinity can be defined by the exclusion and oppression of its outgroup actors-women and gay men-who threaten its very essence. This thesis, therefore, draws particular attention to the masculine-heteronormative gender norms-specifically, what is perceived to be masculine, how non-heteronormative men relate to masculinity, and its attributing role in the lives of non-heteronormative men. To address the research aim, the study asks: 1) How are masculine norms constructed and experienced amongst gender and sexuality diverse men; 2) How is gender and sexual identity experienced in relation to masculine norms amongst gender and sexuality diverse men; 3) To what degree does conformity to masculine norms create distress amongst gender and sexuality diverse men; and 4) Can a new scale be developed that is reliable, valid, multi-dimensional, and non-heteronormative than currently published scales? The study employs a mixed methods approach whereby three key methodologies are undertaken. From the amalgamation of the results in all the phases of the project, the present study resulted in the development of a multi-dimensional measurement tool which takes on a socioecological framework to identify key areas within men's lives which are impacted by gender and sexuality-related distress. By developing a scale that distinctly measures both gender and sexuality-related distress, it is hoped that future research and healthcare can accurately assess and address these two distinct experiences. Furthermore, by providing a measurement tool that can examine interactions at each level of the socioecological environment, future research and practice may gain understanding in the unique gendered strains experienced by non-heteronormative men and how to ameliorate such strain. Future studies are recommended to further test and validate the GSRDI prior to its mainstream use.

Date of Award	2022
Original language	English