Heteronormativity Femininity and Heteronormativity in Essay

These stereotypes are communicated to a higher number of people, and because it is the perceived correct manifestation of womanhood and manhood, people will just start embodying these characteristics in their lives. Thus, women who believe they are expected by society to act submissive and domesticated would behave the same way to be socially accepted. However, a woman who does not believe in these stereotypes might not be empowered to uphold her true feminine characteristics because her actions, behavior, and beliefs are negated by the highly influential popular/mass media.

Another concept relevant to the discussion of sexuality is heteronormativity, which characterizes heterosexuality as the "natural" gender identity (Weiss, 2001:132). Heteronormativity divides the gender identity spectrum into the 'normal' and 'not normal' sexual orientations: individuals who sexually prefer the opposite sex are considered normative, otherwise the individual does not have the normal sexual preference (not normal in terms of sexual orientation). This concept is an attempt to differentiate and further discriminate against individuals with different sexual orientations and preferences, more specifically lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.Heteronormativity is inevitably linked to homophobia because as explained earlier, the concept posits that only heterosexuality is the norm or accepted gender identity in the society. Considering homosexuality as a 'not normal' sexual preference / orientation is equated to not accepting homosexuality as a socially-accepted gender identity. Within the concept of heteronormativity is an inherent illustration of homophobia, which could be manifested through the rejection or non-recognition that homosexuals exist and are actually an accepted gender identity in the society.

Going beyond gender identity, heteronormativity is a concept that also judges people based on their gender identity only. Thus, it limits the recognition of an individual's worth to society just because of his/her gender identity or sexual orientation or preference. Thus, the concept can also be identified as a cause for an issue that disadvantages people's need for their equal rights and recognition in the society in general.

References

Brannon, L. (2005). Gender: Psychological Perspectives. NY: Pearson.

Weiss, J. (2001). "The gender caste system: identity, privacy, and heteronormativity." Law….....