Are You Man Enough? Exploring Compensatory Masculinization in Homosexual Men
Advisor Information
Lisa Scherer
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
7-3-2014 1:00 PM
End Date
7-3-2014 4:00 PM
Abstract
Research indicates that sexual prejudice and discrimination is prevalent in our society. The stigma associated with being gay has many negative consequences for the target including depression, isolation, and social withdrawal. Rooted in heterosexual men’s perception that a gender role norm violation has taken place on the part of gay men, homosexuality has become a source of ridicule. To preempt the negative consequences of gay stigma, past research has shown that homosexual men engage in compensatory masculinization behaviors such as emphasizing their athletic ability, engaging in the devaluation of women, and endorsing the punishment of effeminate performance in men. The aim of this explorative study was to develop a scale to measure compensatory masculinization in homosexual men, as well as investigate the possible role of compensatory masculinization on dissonance affect. Results of this study indicated that homosexual compensatory masculinization did predict dissonance affect in gay men. Implications for research on masculinity, negotiation of identity, the need to belong, and impression management will be discussed.
Are You Man Enough? Exploring Compensatory Masculinization in Homosexual Men
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Research indicates that sexual prejudice and discrimination is prevalent in our society. The stigma associated with being gay has many negative consequences for the target including depression, isolation, and social withdrawal. Rooted in heterosexual men’s perception that a gender role norm violation has taken place on the part of gay men, homosexuality has become a source of ridicule. To preempt the negative consequences of gay stigma, past research has shown that homosexual men engage in compensatory masculinization behaviors such as emphasizing their athletic ability, engaging in the devaluation of women, and endorsing the punishment of effeminate performance in men. The aim of this explorative study was to develop a scale to measure compensatory masculinization in homosexual men, as well as investigate the possible role of compensatory masculinization on dissonance affect. Results of this study indicated that homosexual compensatory masculinization did predict dissonance affect in gay men. Implications for research on masculinity, negotiation of identity, the need to belong, and impression management will be discussed.
Additional Information (Optional)
Winner of Outstanding Graduate Poster Presentation