GENSOC
.docx
School
Pangasinan State University**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
BEED GEE2
Subject
Psychology
Date
Dec 17, 2024
Pages
8
Uploaded by BrigadierFang6859
Introduction Gender intimacy is a concept that delves into the unique ways in which men, women,and non-binary individuals form and maintain close relationships. Rooted in cultural, social,and psychological influences, gender intimacy encompasses the roles, norms, andexpectations that shape how people connect emotionally, whether in friendships, romanticrelationships, or family bonds. Society often guides individuals to express intimacy ingender-specific ways—such as men forming bonds through shared activities and womenthrough verbal and emotional disclosure—leading to distinct relational patterns. Additionally,these dynamics reflect broader social structures and challenges, including the impact ofgender stereotypes, expectations in friendships, and differences in emotional needs.Examining gender intimacy allows us to understand the influences that shape ourrelationships, highlighting the diversity and complexity of human connection across genderidentities.GENDER AND FRIENDSHIPGender Differences in Friendship DynamicsFriendship is a close relationship that can be taken for granted in a society that valueswork, marriage, and romance over informal bonds. Definitions of friendship vary by gender, age,and culture, typically referring to a voluntary, personal relationship marked by mutual affection.Women emphasize self-disclosure, intimacy, and emotional bonding, while men focus onshared activities. Women’s same-gender friendships provide emotional and informationalsupport, involving openness and being supportive. Women react more negatively than men tobetrayals of trust and hold higher expectations of friends, invoking norms more often whenevaluating friendship behavior (Felmlee, 1999; Felmlee, Sweet, and Sinclair, 2012). Womeninvoke norms twice as often as men when evaluating illustrations of friendship behavior and usewords such as “should,” “should not,” and “ought”. According to a meta-analysis by Hall (2010),women hold higher normative expectations from their same gender friendships with respect tocommunion (e.g., self-disclosure), symmetrical reciprocity(e.g., loyalty), solidarity (e.g.,companionship), and overall friendship. Men on the other hand had higher expectations fromtheir same-gender friends with respect to agency (e.g., the friends status and wealth).Societal Influences on FriendshipAt the same time, societal constructions of gender help to shape the norms and valuesthat people develop, and these constructions vary widely for males and females. Even frombirth, parents, peers, social institutions, and the media repeatedly encourage girls to be co-operative, expressive, and aware of their interpersonal world, whereas boys are urged to beindependent, competitive, and agentic. Males face more workplace and sports situations thatrequire competition, while females engage more in nurturance and caretaking. Bothsociocultural and contextual structural factors contribute to different friendship norms, values,and expectations for males and females. Extensive research shows friendship ties are
characterized by gender homophily, where people affiliate with those of the same gender. Malestypically have more friends and larger friendship networks than females, and gender homophilycan influence gender-stereotyped interests and workplace segregation, contributing to genderinequality (Kirke, 2009; Mehta and Strough, 2009; Oliker, 1989).Friendship across GendersCross-gender and cross-orientation friendships challenge traditional gender divides,confronting the idea that men and women are inherently different and that bonds between themmust be romantic. Friendships between gays, lesbians, and heterosexuals also crossboundaries, allowing individuals to feel more authentic and express honest feelings (Monsour,2002; Muraco, 2012).In conclusion, gender significantly influences friendship dynamics, with men and womenoften approaching friendships in distinct ways. Women’s friendships are typically characterizedby emotional openness, self-disclosure, and high expectations for support and loyalty, whilemen often focus on shared activities and practical support. These patterns reflect broadersocietal influences, where social norms shape different expectations for emotional expressionand relational behavior from early on. Gender homophily also reinforces these norms, withindividuals tending to form friendships with those of the same gender, which can further gender-specific roles and even contribute to social inequalities. However, cross-gender and cross-orientation friendships demonstrate that friendship can transcend traditional gender norms,providing spaces for genuine connection and challenging stereotypes. Ultimately, whilegendered norms shape friendships, diverse friendships remind us of the potential for meaningfulconnections that go beyond societal expectations.Transgender Friendship Experiences: Benefits and Barriers of Friendship Across GenderIdentity and Sexual OrientationLGBT friendship research has primarily focused on understanding friendships within theLGBT community, which are especially important for gender and sexual minorities during timesof social change or when their identities conflict with social norms (Weeks, 1995). Thesefriendships often provide a unique type of familial support, functioning as "families of choice"and helping to protect individuals from social isolation or rejection due to homophobia andtransphobia (Hines, 2007; Nardi, 1992; Weinstock, 2000; Weston, 1991). LGBT friendships areseen as social networks, including both general LGBT and transgender communities (Esterberg,1997; Tillman-Healy, 2001; Hines, 2007).Connection to the larger LGBT community is one way individuals can have positiveexperiences related to their transgender identity (Riggle et al., 2011). In her interview study ontransgender identity and relationships, Hines (2007) emphasizes the importance of friendshipsamong transgender individuals. Transgender friends offer support, share similar experiences,and provide valuable knowledge, particularly regarding transitioning. While support and shared
experiences are typical characteristics of friendship (Duck, 1991; Rawlings, 1992), Hines (2007)found these benefits were specific to transgender experiences, often involving decisions abouttransitioning and offering counseling that was unavailable from the traditional healthcaresystem.Hines’ (2007) research highlights how friendship experiences for transgender individualsare shaped by minority status and inequalities. Friendships with other transgender individualswere seen as filling the gaps in support and services that traditional family, friends, andinstitutions failed to provide.LGBT friendships have mostly focused on the benefits of same-orientation friendships,while friendships between LGBT and heterosexual individuals have primarily examined barriersto these relationships, such as stigma, sexual tension, and discomfort in disclosing personalexperiences (O’Boyle and Thomas, 1996; Price, 1999).While benefits of cross-orientation friendships have been noted, such as increasedcloseness and trust within heterosexual friendships for sexual minority women (Galupo and St.John, 2001), these relationships can be complicated, particularly for bisexual individuals, whoseidentity may not be acknowledged within the friendship (Galupo et al., 2004; Galupo, 2007b).Additionally, Muraco (2006) discusses how friendships with heterosexual individuals can act as"intentional families" for both sexual minority and heterosexual friends. The LGBT friendshipliterature has yet to fully consider gender identity, especially regarding transgender individuals.Recognizing the power and inequalities that exist across sexual orientation identities, a similarapproach to transgender friendship within and outside the LGBT community would likely revealhow power and inequality operate around gender identity. Additionally, LGBT friendship hasoverlooked the intersection of sexual orientation and gender identity, not acknowledging thatsome individuals may identify as both sexual minorities and transgender.Unique benefits and barriers to friendships with cisgender and heterosexual individualsFriendships with cisgender and heterosexual individuals were seen as a way of beingconnected to mainstream society.Eight benefits and six barriers were significantly more likely to be expressed in reference tocisgender and heterosexual (normative) friends. Unique benefits included: ●Helps to feel ‘‘normal’’; ●Transgender/sexuality issues do not dominate conversation and friendship; ●Validation more powerful from someone with normative identity; ●More opportunity for friendship due to larger population;●Emotionally stable; ●Helps present as identified gender (‘‘pass’’);●Offers more diverse perspectives and interactions; and ●Opportunity to educate about transgender experience
Unique barriers included: ●Not knowledgeable on issues of gender, sex, and privilege●Insensitive use of language in reference to identity●Difficult to talk about transgender/sexuality issues●Fosters feelings of discomfort ●Not understanding non-normative experience●Fewer shared experiences Unique benefits and barriers to friendships with transgender and sexual minorityindividualsDuck (1991) discusses the general way in which friends can ‘‘develop their own sets ofshared concerns, common interests and collective problems, as well as shared meanings,common responses to life and communal emotions’’.Eight benefits and four barriers were significantly more likely to be expressed in reference totransgender and sexual minority (non-normative) friends. Unique benefits included:●Understanding non-normative experience; ●Knowledgeable on issues of gender, sex, and privilege; ●Shared experiences; ●Can talk about transgender issues; ●Offers support via mentoring and shared resources; ●Comfortable being themselves; ●Shared community: ‘‘family’’ and belonging; and ●Non-judgmental/open-mindedUnique barriers included:●Invalidating gender identity and personal experience●Transgender issues dominate conversation and friendship●Negative emotions, drama, and emotional instability●Fear of being ‘‘Out’’-ed by association or disclosureBenefits that do not differ across normative (CG/HS) and nonnormative (TG/SM)dimensions●Accepting●Affirmative use of language in reference to identity●Opportunity for dating/sexual partnersUnique barriers included: ●Judgmental●Not accepting
In conclusion, friendships within and outside the LGBT community offer distinct benefitsand challenges for transgender and sexual minority individuals, shaped by their unique identitiesand social contexts. Friendships with cisgender and heterosexual individuals help foster a senseof connection to mainstream society, providing validation and opportunities for social integration.However, these relationships can be strained by a lack of understanding of transgender issues,insensitivity, and discomfort in discussing identity. On the other hand, friendships with othertransgender and sexual minority individuals offer validation, shared experiences, andunderstanding, creating a strong sense of community and support. Nevertheless, thesefriendships may also face challenges, such as potential emotional instability or an overemphasison transgender-related issues. Both friendship types provide important yet varied sources ofsupport, underscoring the need for broader societal acceptance and understanding to betteraddress the specific needs and experiences of transgender and LGBT individuals in friendships.Assessment1. What role do friendships play in our lives? a) Provide only companionship b) Offer support, companionship, and security c) Serve as a financial safety net d) Primarily focus on romantic connections 2. In friendships, women are more likely to focus on which of the following?a) Shared activities b) Independence c) Emotional bonding and self-disclosure d) Competition 3. Men’s friendships are often centered around which of these?a) Emotional support b) Self-disclosure c) Shared activities d) Caretaking 4. Who is more likely to have higher expectations for trust and loyalty in friendships? a) Men b) Women c) Both equally d) Neither 5. What does the term "gender homophily" mean in the context of friendships? a) Forming friendships based on social status b) Avoiding friendships with those of the same genderc) Building friendships based on competitive activities
d) The tendency to form friendships with those of the same gender 6. How does society influence friendships for girls? a) Girls are encouraged to be expressive and nurturing b) Girls are encouraged to be competitivec) Girls are encouraged to focus on career goals only d) Girls are encouraged to be financially independent 7. How do cross-gender friendships contribute to understanding different perspectives? a) They reinforce gender roles b) They eliminate emotional bonding c) They allow individuals to explore perspectives outside traditional gender roles d) They focus solely on romantic interests 8. What has LGBT friendship research primarily focused on? a) Friendships outside the LGBT community b) Friendships within the LGBT community c) Family dynamics d) Workplace relationships 9. LGBT friendships are often described as what type of support? a) Professional support b) Economic support c) Educational support d) Familial support 10. What term is used to describe LGBT friendships that act as a supportive family? a) Biological family b) Friends with benefits c) Families of choice d) Close acquaintances 11. Which group’s friendships have mainly examined barriers like stigma and discomfort? a) LGBT with heterosexual individuals b) LGBT with family c) LGBT with co-workers d) LGBT within their community 12. For sexual minority women, friendships with heterosexual individuals can increase which ofthe following? a) Feelings of isolation b) Financial security
c) Closeness and trust d) Conflict Answer Key1. b2. c3. c4. b5. d6. a7. c8. b9. d10. c11. a12. c Summary The dynamics of friendship are heavily influenced by gender, social expectations, andidentity, with men and women often experiencing friendship differently. Women's friendshipsgenerally emphasize emotional bonding, trust, and openness, while men’s focus more onshared activities. Societal norms encourage these differences from a young age, reinforcinggender roles through gender homophily (tendency to form friendships within the same gender)and sometimes contributing to broader social inequalities. Friendships across genders and orientations, such as LGBT and cross-genderfriendships, challenge these traditional roles by promoting open, authentic communication andbreaking stereotypes. LGBT friendships, particularly within the transgender community, oftenprovide vital support networks as "families of choice," which help combat social isolation anddiscrimination. Friendships with cisgender and heterosexual individuals offer social integrationand validation, though they may come with challenges like insensitivity to identity issues. Incontrast, friendships with other transgender or sexual minority individuals bring sharedexperiences, understanding, and emotional support but can sometimes emphasize issuesspecific to LGBT life, creating potential emotional strain. These relationships highlight the valueof acceptance and understanding in fostering meaningful connections across gender andidentity boundaries.ReferenceFelmlee, Diane, and Crystal Peoples (2016). Gender, Friendship https://dukespace.lib.duke.edu/items/f377414b-d083-4431-bf85-472f203c6548
Galupo, P., Bauerband, A., Gonzalez, K., Hagen, B., Hether, S., Krum, T., (2014)Transgender Friendship Experiences: Benefits and barriers of friendships across genderidentity and sexual orientation. Feminism and Psychologyhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/263090666_Transgender_Friendship_Experiences_Benefits_and_barriers_of_friendships_across_gender_identity_and_sexual_orientation