In contemporary society, marginalized communities face discrimination based on their identities. Marginalization refers to the exclusionary treatment experienced by individuals who are perceived as different from societal norms due to factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, and physical appearance. This paper will explore how marginalization influences ethical reasoning and moral deliberation in queer contexts. It argues that marginalization affects ethical reasoning and moral deliberation by reinforcing heteronormative values and limiting access to resources and opportunities for self-determination.
Ethical Reasoning
Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with morality, right conduct, and judgment. Marginalized groups often experience challenges in developing their moral sensibilities due to the negative social and cultural messages they receive.
Members of queer communities may struggle to identify with mainstream moral codes that privilege heterosexuality. This can lead to cognitive dissonance and confusion regarding what constitutes appropriate behavior.
Marginalized individuals may be exposed to inconsistent or conflicting messages about acceptable behaviors within their own community, leading to internal conflict and ambivalence. These experiences can make it difficult for marginalized people to develop a clear sense of right and wrong, which can impact their ability to engage in meaningful ethical deliberations.
Moral Deliberation
Moral deliberation involves reflecting on one's beliefs, values, and actions to determine whether they align with ethical principles. Marginalized individuals may face unique challenges when engaging in this process due to the ways they are constructed as deviant or abnormal. When faced with a moral dilemma, they may feel pressured to conform to societal norms rather than pursuing their personal beliefs, which can impede their capacity for authentic expression and self-actualization.
An LGBTQ+ person may question their identity if they do not fit into traditional gender roles or sexual scripts. Similarly, a transgender individual may grapple with the idea that their body does not match their gender identity, creating moral uncertainty around how to navigate relationships or physical intimacy.
How does marginalization influence ethical reasoning and moral deliberation in queer contexts?
Marginalization can have a significant impact on how individuals within the LGBTQ+ community approach ethical decision-making and moral deliberation. Research suggests that individuals who experience marginalization may be more likely to engage in ethical thinking that emphasizes group identity and solidarity over individual autonomy and responsibility (e. g. , Dovidio et al. , 2017; Pettigrew & Tropp, 2006).