Social stigma is an unfavorable attitude towards a person or group based on their perceived shortcomings. It can be defined as "a mark of disgrace or infamy, a public expression of contempt." It has been shown that individuals who identify as members of minority groups are often subject to various forms of discrimination and prejudice due to societal norms. This includes those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, agender, asexual, allies, etc. These labels refer to one's gender identity or sexual orientation. There are different types of social stigmas associated with these identities.
Being gay may mean having negative attitudes towards homosexuals because they do not conform to traditional heteronormative expectations. Being bisexual may suggest that they engage in promiscuous behavior or have multiple partners at once. Transgender people may face rejection from family and friends for expressing themselves differently than what society expects them to be like. Intersex individuals may be seen as abnormal or even defective because they don't fit into either male or female categories. All these perceptions lead to feelings of shame, guilt, fear, anxiety, depression, isolation, loneliness, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and suicidal thoughts among affected individuals.
Studies show that same-sex relationships face more challenges than heterosexual ones when it comes to intimacy patterns. One study examined the effects of social stigma on emotional closeness between couples. Participants were asked to describe their experiences with romantic relationships over time. They found that gay men reported higher levels of distress compared to straight men during initial stages of dating but lower levels after two years together. Similarly, lesbians experienced less stress than heterosexual women early on but similar rates later on. In another study, researchers looked at how social stigma affects relational satisfaction. Again, gay males suffered greater emotional distress than straight men did. Lesbian females experienced more dissatisfaction than hetero females.
Social stigmas influence intimacy patterns by creating barriers between partners. When a couple is discriminated against due to their sexual orientation, they become isolated socially. This prevents them from connecting emotionally with others outside their immediate circle. They feel alienated and alone despite having supportive partners. Moreover, they cannot openly share their struggles without risking rejection. Without external validation, they turn inwardly towards themselves and each other for comfort. But this creates tension and resentment within the relationship because no one wants to hear negative feedback about themselves or partner.
Social stigma influences relational satisfaction through its impact on communication skills. As mentioned above, couples lack access to external resources like family members and friends who could provide advice or assistance if needed. Instead, they must rely solely upon each other for guidance.
Because they are already struggling with feelings of rejection and isolation, they may not be able to give effective feedback to one another. Thus, misunderstandings arise easily, leading to hurt feelings and arguments.
How do social stigmas influence intimacy patterns, emotional closeness, and relational satisfaction in same-sex partnerships?
Social stigma can have an impact on intimacy patterns, emotional closeness, and relational satisfaction in same-sex partnerships by creating feelings of fear, shame, and isolation that may prevent individuals from fully expressing themselves and connecting with their partners. Research suggests that these effects can be especially pronounced for marginalized populations such as people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities.