Graduation Year
2020
Publication Date
Spring 2020
Abstract
Based on an online survey of 30 parents of public high school students, this paper analyzes how parents form opinions around sexuality in high schools. I focus on the relationship between personal opinion and the perceptions of others as well as normative and non-normative understandings of gender and sexuality. I found parents to be accepting of LGBTQ+ inclusion policies overall, especially those with LGBTQ+ children. Despite this overall support, parents are more accepting of romantic literature that contains normative relationships rather than queer relationships. I suggest that hegemonic culture supporting heterosexuality influences the opinions of parents and often causes them to see other parents as less accepting of LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives than themselves. The results point to the importance of dismantling heteronormativity in order to create space for queer individuals in the education system.
Disciplines
Sociology
Recommended Citation
Lewis, Nicki, "Parent Opinions and Perceptions of Others on Queering High School Education" (2020). Honors Projects. 60.
https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/socanth_honproj/60
Comments
At the request of the author, this paper is not available for download until May 1, 2070. Bona fide researchers may consult it by visiting the University Archives in Tate Archives & Special Collections; contact archives@iwu.edu for details.