Gender Role Models in Fictional Novels for Emerging Adult Lesbians

Bibliographic Data

ID12459151
AuthorsChristopher Cook (0000-0003-3390-7381, University of Kentucky, corresponding author), Jennifer R Cook, Sharon S Rostosky (0000-0001-9211-6577, University of Kentucky), Ellen D B Riggle (0000-0002-7356-5251, University of Kentucky)
Year2013
Volume17
Issue2
Pages150-166
Publication date2013-03-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Lesbian Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1089-4160 • E-ISSN: 1540-3548
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10894160.2012.691416
PMID23514210
OpenAlexW1996680914
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited29

Novels provide role models for young adult lesbians and thus may influence their identity development. This study focused on 16 lesbian protagonists identified in 11 young adult novels that received 2011 Lambda Literary Award nominations. Content analyses revealed six themes. Three themes defied traditional gender stereotypes: Asserting Oneself, Pursuing Intimacy with Another Woman, and Breaking Free of Constraints to Authentic Self-Expression. Three themes reinforced gender stereotypes: Negative Emotional Experiences Associated with Lesbian Identity, Traditional Masculine Gender Expression, and Traditional Gender Role-Based Sexual Scripts. Each theme is discussed in light of its possible contribution to lesbian identity development

Aesthetics · Art · Developmental psychology · Expression (computer science · Gender identity · Human sexuality · Identity (music · Lesbian · Psychoanalysis · Scripting language · Sexual identity · Sexual orientation · Sociology · Theme (computing · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Gender Studies · Gender, Feminism, and Media · Psychology · Social Psychology · Themes in Literature Analysis

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