Adolescence is a time when young people are navigating their own identity and finding their place within society. For many, this involves exploring and defining their gender and sexual orientation.
For those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT), the process can be more complicated due to stigma and discrimination from both individuals and institutions. This stigma and discrimination often comes from parental religiosity, which can shape adolescent attitudes, acceptance, and support for LGBT peers.
One way that parental religiosity intersects with societal norms to shape adolescents' attitudes toward LGBT peers is through religious teachings and beliefs. Religious beliefs may promote traditional gender roles and sexual orientations, leading some parents to view LGBT identities as sinful or deviant. These beliefs can be reinforced by cultural messages about gender and sexuality, which may also influence an individual's understanding of what it means to be a man or woman. As a result, some adolescents may internalize these negative messages and reject LGBT peers or fail to provide them with adequate support and acceptance.
Another way that parental religiosity intersects with societal norms is through social pressure and expectations. Parents who are highly religious may feel obligated to conform to certain expectations within their community, such as supporting conservative political candidates or attending church regularly. This can create a sense of obligation or guilt around accepting LGBT peers, especially if they believe that doing so would contradict their faith.
Religious communities may have a history of stigmatizing LGBT identities, making it difficult for adolescents to express their own identities in public spaces without facing criticism or rejection.
Despite these challenges, there are ways that parents can foster positive attitudes and behaviors towards LGBT peers. By engaging in open and honest conversations with their children about gender and sexuality, parents can help them develop empathy and understanding for those who identify differently. They can also model inclusive behavior by welcoming LGBT individuals into their lives and advocating for their rights and dignity. By taking these steps, parents can play a key role in creating a more inclusive and accepting society for all young people.
In what ways does parental religiosity intersect with societal norms to shape adolescents' attitudes, acceptance, and support for LGBT peers?
Societal norms play an important role in shaping the attitude of parents towards their children who are not straight. Parental religiosity has also been found to influence how they perceive the world around them, including other people's sexual orientation. The result is that many parents from religious families view LGBT individuals as abnormal, which might affect how they treat them and even their willingness to accept them.