Compulsory heterosexuality

Definition

Compulsory heterosexuality refers to the societal expectation that individuals should be heterosexual, promoting the idea that this orientation is the default or 'normal' way to live. This concept highlights how cultural norms and institutions enforce heterosexual relationships as a standard, marginalizing those who identify outside this norm. The term also emphasizes how these expectations can shape personal identities and relationships, particularly in the context of Asian American literature, where intersectionality plays a significant role in understanding experiences of race, gender, and sexuality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'compulsory heterosexuality' was popularized by feminist theorist Adrienne Rich in her 1980 essay, where she critiques how society enforces heterosexuality as a norm.
2. Compulsory heterosexuality can result in the marginalization of queer identities, creating pressure for individuals to conform to heterosexual expectations.
3. This concept is particularly relevant in Asian American literature, where characters often navigate complex cultural and familial expectations regarding sexuality.
4. The enforcement of compulsory heterosexuality often intersects with issues of race and ethnicity, complicating the experiences of those who do not conform to these norms.
5. Literary works that challenge compulsory heterosexuality often explore themes of identity formation, resistance against societal norms, and the quest for belonging.

Review Questions

• How does compulsory heterosexuality affect the representation of queer characters in Asian American literature?
  • Compulsory heterosexuality often leads to the underrepresentation or misrepresentation of queer characters in Asian American literature. Many narratives focus on heteronormative relationships due to societal pressures and cultural expectations. As a result, queer characters may be portrayed as marginalized or must navigate their identities in secret. This representation highlights the struggle against compulsory norms and emphasizes the need for authentic voices within Asian American storytelling.
• Analyze how the concept of compulsory heterosexuality intersects with issues of race and ethnicity in literary texts.
  • The concept of compulsory heterosexuality intersects with race and ethnicity by highlighting how different cultural backgrounds impose unique expectations around gender and sexuality. In many Asian cultures, traditional views on family honor and lineage can enforce rigid roles around marriage and relationships. As such, characters from these backgrounds often face additional pressures to conform to both racial and sexual norms. This intersection reveals how identity is shaped by multiple layers of social expectation, affecting both personal lives and broader societal narratives.
• Evaluate the impact of compulsory heterosexuality on the identity formation of Asian American individuals depicted in literature.
  • Compulsory heterosexuality significantly impacts identity formation among Asian American individuals in literature by creating internal conflicts regarding self-acceptance and authenticity. Characters often grapple with societal expectations that prioritize heterosexual relationships while navigating their own sexual identities. This struggle can lead to feelings of isolation or alienation when their true selves conflict with cultural norms. By examining these narratives, readers can gain insight into the complexities faced by those who resist compulsory heterosexuality and seek empowerment through their unique identities.

Related terms

Heteronormativity: Heteronormativity is the belief that heterosexual relationships are the standard, reinforcing traditional gender roles and norms related to sexuality.

Intersectionality:

Intersectionality is a framework for understanding how various social identities, including race, gender, and sexuality, intersect and create unique experiences of oppression or privilege.

Queer Theory: Queer theory is an academic approach that critiques and challenges normative definitions of sexuality and gender, advocating for the recognition of diverse sexual orientations and identities.