Concept asserting heterosexuality as the only social norm
Not to be confused with Heteronomy.
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Heteronormativity is the concept that heterosexuality is the preferred or normal sexual orientation.[1] It assumes the gender binary (i.e., that there are only two distinct, opposite genders) and that sexual and marital relations are most fitting between people of opposite sex.
Heteronormativity creates and upholds a social hierarchy based on sexual orientation with the practice and belief that heterosexuality is deemed as the societal norm.[2] A heteronormative view, therefore, involves alignment of biological sex, sexuality, gender identity and gender roles. Heteronormativity has been linked to heterosexism and homophobia,[1][3] and the effects of societal heteronormativity on lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals have been described as heterosexual or "straight" privilege.[4]
^ abHarris J, White V (2018). A Dictionary of Social Work and Social Care. Oxford University Press. p. 335. ISBN 978-0-19-251686-2. Retrieved 19 August 2018.
^Ray, T. N., & Parkhill, M. R. (2021). Heteronormativity, Disgust Sensitivity, and Hostile Attitudes toward Gay Men: Potential Mechanisms to Maintain Social Hierarchies. Sex Roles, 84(1/2), 49–60. doi:10.1007/s11199-020-01146-w
^Goodman RD, Gorski PC (2014). Decolonizing "Multicultural" Counseling through Social Justice. Springer. pp. 28–30. ISBN 978-1-4939-1283-4. Retrieved 19 August 2018.
^Williford, Beth (2009). "Heterosexual privilege". Encyclopedia of Gender and Society: 418–420. doi:10.4135/9781412964517. ISBN 9781412909167.
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