Riding the Rural Love Train

Heterosexuality and the Rural Community

Bibliographic Data

ID4445936
AuthorsJo Little (University of Exeter, corresponding author)
Year2003
Volume43
Issue4
Pages401-417
Publication date2003-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociologia Ruralis (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0038-0199 • E-ISSN: 1467-9523
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1046/j.1467-9523.2003.00252.x
OpenAlexW2083808525
LanguageEN
Citations received67
References cited23

This paper examines the relationship between rurality and heterosexuality. It argues that in discussing the spatialisation of sexual identity in rural areas, previous research has concentrated either on homosexuality or masculinity in isolation. As is common in research generally, little attention has been given to the construction and performance of heterosexuality. Using two case study examples, one from the UK and one from New Zealand, the paper examines the centrality of conventional notions of heterosexuality to rural (and particularly farming) relationships. It suggests that ideas about the suitability of partners and spouses conform to highly traditional notions of heterosexuality. This particularly evident in the context of farming masculinities and the relationship between 'natural' masculinity and acceptable femininity. Ideas about the farmer's wife are shown to incorporate highly conventional assumptions not only about gender role but also feminine sexuality

Context (archaeology) · Femininity · Geography · Heteronormativity · Heterosexuality · Homosexuality · Human sexuality · Lesbian · Masculinity · Political science · Rural area · Rurality · Sociology · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Gender Studies · Rural development and sustainability · Youth Education and Societal Dynamics

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