The topic of this article is how experiences of marginalization can affect the moral reasoning, value formation, and ethical development of LGBTQ adolescents. Marginalized groups such as those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning have been historically subject to discrimination, prejudice, and oppression based on their identities, which can lead to negative psychological consequences like low self-esteem, feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. These experiences can also influence how they view themselves, others, and society, leading to changes in their personal values and beliefs about morality. This article explores how these factors may shape the moral development of LGBTQ adolescents and discusses potential strategies for supporting them through the process.
Experiences of Marginalization
Marginalization refers to the act of excluding individuals from participation in mainstream society because of their identity, often resulting in social disadvantages and reduced opportunities. In the case of LGBTQ individuals, this may include negative attitudes towards their sexual orientation or gender identity, victimization, violence, bullying, and rejection by family members, peers, and other social institutions. These experiences can be particularly harmful during adolescence when individuals are still developing their sense of self and place in the world.
Moral Development
Adolescence is a critical period for moral development, where teenagers begin to form their own set of values and beliefs separate from those of their parents or other adult figures. During this time, they may question societal norms and challenge authority figures, seeking answers to big questions such as right vs wrong, justice, and fairness.
Exposure to marginalizing experiences may cause LGBTQ adolescents to question traditional moral frameworks and seek new ways of understanding ethical behavior that better reflect their lived realities.
If an LGBTQ adolescent has been mistreated due to their sexuality or gender identity, they may come to view the world as an unfair place where certain groups are privileged over others based on arbitrary characteristics. This can lead to a rejection of conventional morality and the development of alternative moral codes that prioritize equality, compassion, and empathy.
Value Formation
Value formation is the process of creating personal meaning and significance from one's experiences, which involves identifying what is important to oneself and how it relates to the broader community. Experiences of marginalization can disrupt this process, causing LGBTQ adolescents to doubt their worthiness or desirability within society. They may feel like outsiders who do not belong anywhere or have anything valuable to offer, leading to a search for alternative sources of validation and belonging outside of mainstream culture. This can result in the creation of new value systems that prioritize community and solidarity with other oppressed groups, challenging existing power structures and promoting social change.
Strategies for Support
Supporting LGBTQ adolescents through the process of ethical development, moral reasoning, and value formation requires addressing the negative impacts of marginalization while also fostering positive growth. One approach is to provide spaces for LGBTQ teens to explore their identities without judgment or pressure, allowing them to express themselves freely and develop their own beliefs without fear of reprisal. Educators, parents, and healthcare providers should be sensitive to their needs and open to discussions about sexual orientation, gender identity, and social justice issues.
Programs and services tailored specifically to LGBTQ youth can help build resilience and self-esteem, providing a sense of safety and acceptance.
Creating an inclusive environment where all individuals are valued and respected is essential for supporting the holistic development of LGBTQ adolescents.
How do experiences of marginalization shape ethical development, moral reasoning, and value formation in LGBTQ adolescents?
Ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability status, socioeconomic background are some of the factors that influence one's upbringing, which in turn influences their moral development. Marginalized groups tend to have distinct life experiences that impact their ethical development and moral reasoning.