Journal article
Homophobia and the everyday mechanisms of prejudice: Findings from a qualitative study
Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Health, Vol.1(1), pp.31-51
2005
Abstract
This paper explores the meaning of 'homophobia' from a phenomenological, interpretative and social constructivist perspective. We postulate that homophobia is a useful repository for understanding experiences of prejudice and trauma expressed in 34 qualitative interviews with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender clients of counselling and (heterosexual) counsellors. Homophobia can be further explained by examining mechanisms of social isolation - the ways that people deploy homophobic behaviours and thus, how minority people experience homophobia as isolating and alienating in everyday family life. Experiences of homophobia and the fear of homophobia appear to be extremely powerful, formative, and often traumatic, with long term implications for individuals' adjustment and/or family functioning. The importance of a supportive therapeutic relationship is highlighted.
Details
- Title
- Homophobia and the everyday mechanisms of prejudice: Findings from a qualitative study
- Authors
- Randolf J Bowers (Author) - University of New EnglandV Minichiello (Author) - University of New EnglandD Plummer (Author) - University of the West Indies
- Publication details
- Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Health, Vol.1(1), pp.31-51
- Publisher
- Australian Counselling Association
- Date published
- 2005
- ISSN
- 1832-1135
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2005 Australian Counselling Association. Reproduced here with kind permission of the copyright holder.
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449548602621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
371 File views/ downloads
1104 Record Views