Discrimination and normalization as an effortful social practice

An analysis of LGBTQ+ families in Germany

Bibliographic Data

ID19003663
AuthorsJulia Teschlade (0000-0002-3561-3830, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, corresponding author), Mona Motakef (0000-0002-8542-8537, TU Dortmund University), Christine Wimbauer (0000-0003-1925-0475, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)
Year2023
Volume28
Issue1-2
Pages613-631
Publication date2023-10-26
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSexualities (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1363-4607 • E-ISSN: 1461-7382
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/13634607231205819
OpenAlexW4388208300
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited24

While legal recognition of same-sex relationships and families has increased in many democratic countries, discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, both open and subtle, still exists. Drawing on qualitative interviews from Germany, this study uses the grounded theory methodology to analyse LGBTQ+ families’ normalization practices in response to experienced and anticipated discrimination. We show that normalization practices are not merely an assimilation to a neoliberal heteronormative family ideal, as criticised in debates on homonormativity, but require arduous efforts within heteronormative societies. Furthermore, normalization practices simultaneously challenge (traditional) family norms, through both overt political struggles and sub-politically within everyday practices

Democracy · Political science · Politics · Sexual orientation · Social science · Sociology · Gender Studies · Law · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Reproductive Health and Technologies · Social Psychology · Sociology and Education Studies

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Open DOIOpen Access