How Cultural Frameworks Shape Attitudes Toward Homosexuality
Homosexuality is a sensitive issue around the world, and it has been shaped by many different factors such as culture, religion, politics, and media representation. In some cultures, homosexuality is considered taboo while in others, it's seen as acceptable. This paper will examine how cultural frameworks, including collectivist versus individualist societies, shape attitudes toward homosexuality, and what role transnational queer networks play in mediating perception.
Collectivist societies are those where people have an interdependent relationship between themselves and their society. Individualistic societies are those where people have more independence from their community. In collectivist societies, homosexuality may be frowned upon because it breaks traditional gender roles and norms.
In China, where collectivism is highly valued, homosexuality was decriminalized in 1997 but remains unacceptable to most citizens. The same can be said for India, where family is highly important and homosexuality goes against the grain of tradition. On the other hand, individualistic societies like the United States have become increasingly accepting of homosexuality since the Stonewall Riots in the 1960s.
Globalization and the internet have allowed for greater transnational communication among LGBTQ+ communities. Social media platforms like Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram provide spaces for these groups to connect and share information about their experiences. Transnational queer networks allow individuals to find support and solidarity with people who understand them regardless of geographical location or social context. These networks help challenge dominant narratives that perpetuate stigma around homosexuality, making them less powerful. They also give marginalized groups a voice, empowering them to speak out against oppression and inequality.
Cultural frameworks and transnational queer networks play significant roles in shaping attitudes toward homosexuality. Collectivist societies tend to view homosexuality as deviant while individualistic societies view it as acceptable.
These views are changing as technology allows for more open communication between different cultures.
How do cultural frameworks, including collectivist versus individualist societies, shape attitudes toward homosexuality, and what role do transnational queer networks play in mediating perception?
The notion of "homosexuality" has become widely acknowledged as an identity marker that is not limited by geographical boundaries but rather extends across national lines. Despite this fact, there are still significant disparities between cultures regarding views on sexual minorities' place in society.