Graduation Year

2020

Publication Date

Spring 2020

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.

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

Available for download on Thursday, May 01, 2070

Included in

Sociology Commons

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