Do lesbian friendships enact relational ethics grounded in mutual recognition, care, and support?
While most people understand that romantic relationships are based on mutual recognition, care, and support, it is less clear whether the same can be said for nonromantic ones, such as friendships between women who identify as lesbians. This essay will explore this question by examining how lesbian friendship practices may or may not reflect these ethical principles.
Let's consider what "relational ethics" means. Relational ethics refers to an approach to moral decision-making that emphasizes the importance of relationships among individuals, groups, and communities. It recognizes that humans are social creatures who depend on each other for survival and meaning, and therefore must take into account the needs and desires of others when making choices. By contrast, traditional approaches to ethics tend to focus more on abstract rules and principles that apply universally regardless of context.
Let's examine how mutual recognition plays out in lesbian friendships. Mutual recognition involves acknowledging and respecting each other's identities, experiences, and perspectives. In lesbian friendships, this might mean supporting one another through coming-out processes, sharing struggles with gender expectations and stereotypes, and celebrating achievements related to sexuality or gender identity. It could also involve engaging in conversations about politics, culture, or current events from a queer perspective.
Care is another key element of relational ethics. Lesbian friends often provide emotional support and practical assistance to each other, such as listening to problems, offering advice, or helping with tasks like childcare or moving. They may also offer financial support, such as pooling resources to buy a home together or splitting rent costs. Care can be expressed verbally or nonverbally, through words of affirmation, physical touch, or simply being present.
Support is essential to sustaining any relationship. Lesbian friends may show their commitment to each other by attending social events together, spending time alone together outside of group gatherings, and participating in activities that strengthen the bond between them. This might include going to see movies, taking walks, or cooking meals for each other.
Lesbian friends who practice relational ethics prioritize the well-being of their relationship above all else, recognizing its importance not only to themselves but to others as well.
Lesbian friendships have the potential to enact relational ethics grounded in mutual recognition, care, and support.
This does not necessarily mean they always do so perfectly or consistently. Friendship dynamics are complex and dynamic, shaped by individual personalities, experiences, and circumstances. Nevertheless, when these principles are present, they can contribute to positive outcomes for both individuals involved.
Do lesbian friendships enact relational ethics grounded in mutual recognition, care, and support?
Yes, lesbian friendships are often characterized by an emphasis on mutuality, authenticity, reciprocity, trustworthiness, loyalty, and respectful communication (Dubois, 2015). Lesbians tend to prioritize emotional intimacy and share personal information with their friends that go beyond the superficialities of heterosexual friendships (Sprecher et al. , 2016).