Subculture is a social group that has its own unique set of values, behaviors, beliefs, and practices that differentiate it from mainstream society. Within subcultures, people are often marginalized for their differences, including sexual orientation. This paper will explore how subcultural membership can provide protection from discrimination based on nontraditional sexuality by examining three different forms of social control that affect those who do not fit into heteronormative norms: cultural sanctions, political repression, and interpersonal stigma.
Cultural Sanctions
Cultural sanctions refer to the ways in which society punishes individuals who deviate from socially acceptable standards of behavior. In terms of sexuality, this means that people who engage in nonconforming sex acts are often subjected to negative attitudes and reactions from others around them. Subcultures offer an alternative space where these individuals can express themselves without fear of judgment or retaliation.
Members of LGBTQ+ communities may find acceptance within gay bars and clubs, which allow them to openly celebrate their identities in a way they might not be able to do elsewhere. Similarly, members of BDSM communities can seek out like-minded partners online or attend organized events where they feel safe exploring their kinks. By creating spaces where nonconformity is accepted, subcultures help protect individuals from the stigma associated with sexual deviance.
Political Repression
Political repression refers to the ways in which government policies and laws reinforce traditional gender roles and sexual norms. Countries that have strict anti-gay marriage laws, for instance, make it difficult for same-sex couples to live together publicly and legally recognize their relationships. Subcultures provide a refuge for individuals who cannot safely navigate mainstream institutions due to discriminatory laws. Members of queer communities, for example, may find support through underground networks of friends and organizations that promote activism and advocacy. By organizing politically, subculture members can work towards changing policies that marginalize them and create safer environments for self-expression.
Interpersonal Stigma
Interpersonal stigma refers to the ways in which individuals personally label those who engage in nontraditional sex acts as deviant or abnormal. This type of prejudice can take many forms, including verbal harassment, physical violence, or social exclusion. Subcultures offer a sense of community and belonging that helps shield individuals from these negative reactions. In addition, members of non-normative sexual groups often develop a shared language and understanding that allows them to communicate effectively with one another, even when they are not physically present.
Members of the polyamorous community may use specific terminology to describe their relationships and practices without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.
Subcultural membership provides protection from the stigma associated with sexual nonconformity by creating alternative spaces where individuals can express themselves freely, organizing politically to change societal attitudes, and developing a shared language and understanding among like-minded peers. While not all subcultures are equally accepting of nonconforming sexualities, they do offer a valuable resource for people who face social sanctions, political repression, and interpersonal stigmatization due to their identities.
How does subcultural membership shield individuals from the stigma associated with sexual nonconformity?
Subcultures can provide an alternative identity for those who feel alienated by mainstream norms and values. This can be especially true for members of LGBTQ+ communities who may face discrimination and prejudice due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. By joining a subculture that celebrates diversity and rejects traditional notions of gender and sexuality, individuals can find acceptance and support within a community that validates their experiences.