The tension between internal duality and societal expectations is a complex issue that has been explored extensively in literature and research, but it has particular implications for queer individuals who often grapple with conflicting social norms regarding their sexual orientation and gender identity. This article will explore the psychological mechanisms underlying this tension and examine how they can impact an individual's sense of self and relationships with others.
It is important to understand what is meant by "internal duality" and "societal expectations." Internal duality refers to the inner conflict experienced by queer individuals when they feel torn between different aspects of themselves, such as masculine and feminine traits, heterosexual and homosexual desires, or cisgender and transgender identities. Societal expectations are the external pressures placed upon an individual by society, family, friends, workplace, and community to conform to certain standards of behavior, appearance, and beliefs. These may be based on traditional gender roles, religious or cultural beliefs, or other social norms.
Several psychological processes contribute to the tension between internal duality and societal expectations. One is cognitive dissonance, which occurs when an individual holds two conflicting thoughts, feelings, or behaviors at the same time.
Someone may identify as gay but still feel attracted to women, leading to feelings of confusion and distress. Another process is intolerance of ambiguity, where individuals seek clear-cut answers and categorizations in order to reduce uncertainty and anxiety. This can lead to a need to fit into specific boxes, such as male/female, straight/gay, cisgender/transgender, rather than accepting fluidity and complexity.
Identity development plays a role in the tension between internal duality and societal expectations. Individuals who experience confusion about their sexual orientation or gender identity often struggle with questions of self-acceptance, belonging, and authenticity. They may fear rejection from loved ones or societal marginalization, which can create a sense of isolation and alienation. This can lead to negative coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, eating disorders, or self-harm.
Societal pressure also contributes to the tension between internal duality and societal expectations. Society often promotes heteronormative and cisnormative values that reinforce binary thinking, where one must choose either/or categories for gender and sexuality. These pressures can be subtle or overt, implicit or explicit, but they can have significant impact on an individual's sense of worth and belonging. Homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of discrimination further compound this issue by creating a culture of fear and shame around queerness.
Interpersonal relationships can exacerbate the tension between internal duality and societal expectations. Queer individuals may feel pressure to hide their true selves from family, friends, and partners in order to avoid judgment or rejection. This can create a sense of secrecy and isolation, leading to difficulties in communication and intimacy. Alternatively, some individuals may seek out relationships with others who share their identities, creating a supportive community, but still face challenges related to acceptance from broader society.
The tension between internal duality and societal expectations is a complex psychological process that has profound implications for queer individuals. By understanding these processes, we can better support those struggling with this issue and work towards a more inclusive and accepting society.