Developing lesbian identity: a sociohistorical approach.
The process of construction of lesbian identity in a group of eight Spanish women is analyzed from a historical-cultural perspective. For that purpose, we provide a characterization of discourses about homosexuality in Spain and the way in which these discourses are intertwined with autobiographical narratives of the participants. The participants' life stories were analyzed using a qualitative methodology. We focused on the relationship between self and lesbianism and emphasized the themes related to identity issues (development of lesbian identity and reflections about identity). As a conclusion, we stress the need to deconstruct stigmatizing discourses about homosexuality for the development of a positive personal identity.
Sala
Arianna
A
Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain. asala@us.es
De La Mata Benitez
Manuel L
ML
D000328:Adult; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D049674:History, 21st Century; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000266:history / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D033262:Narration; D012649:Self Concept; D012924:Social Conditions; D013030:Spain; D055815:Young Adult