AN EXPLORATION OF INTIMACY BETWEEN GAY MEN.
Item
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Title
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AN EXPLORATION OF INTIMACY BETWEEN GAY MEN.
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Identifier
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AAI8212212
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identifier
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8212212
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Creator
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RUTTER, ELLIOT ROY.
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Contributor
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Douglas Kimmel
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Date
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1982
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Psychology, Clinical
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Abstract
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The purpose of this study was to explore how the following variables facilitate and/or inhibit intimacy between gay men: (1) life-span developmental factors; (2) the historical determinants and sociocultural context of intimate relationships; and (3) the individual's sex-role identity. Sources used are published empirical and theoretical literature and personal clinical observations.;Homosexuality is defined as a need system for same-sex emotional affectional, and sexual intimacy. The homosexual boy's gradual awareness of his needs is seen to affect his early same-sex interactions, which, in turn, affect later intimate relationships. A "confused" homosexual identity--which inhibits intimacy--is distinguished from a stable, integrated gay identity--which facilitates intimacy--by the extent to which the individual is in conflict about his homosexual needs because he has internalized the hompohobia of the dominant culture.;The existence of a gay satellite culture is seen to facilitate the transition from homosexual to gay identity and enhance the potential for intimacy. However, aspects of this culture--particularly the emphasis on conformity, sexuality, and masculinity--are postulated to provide escape from the homosexual male's potential freedom to question traditional sociocultural assumptions, biases, and institutional structures. This is seen to inhibit the development of an integrated gay identity, and therefore intimacy.;In reaction to the cultural confusion between homosexuality and sex-role inversion, the gay male community is seen to embrace traditional masculine values which inhibit intimacy. To the extent this confusion is internalized, the individual's sex-role identity may be "confused," and his initimate relationships inhibited. However, the opportunity to question restrictive, stereotyped sex-roles may provide for greater sex-role flexibility and sex-role transcendence, and thus may facilitate intimacy between gay men.;Ramey's concept of the intimate friendship is discussed as an alternative model for gay male intimate relationships. It is suggested that intimacy between gay men will be facilitated by: questioning traditional assumptions and biases about homosexuality, intimacy, and masculinity; reevaluating the relevance of traditional models of intimate relationships to the gay male experience; eliminating homophobia; encouraging tolerance for, and comfort with, ambiguity, confusion, and the lack of external structure; and, encouraging and supporting creative solutions to satisfy unique individual intimate needs.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Psychology
