Heteronormativity

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What is heteronormativity and why is it important?

Heteronormativity is a societal view that considers heterosexuality to be the natural and only correct form of sexual orientation. This view assumes that romantic and familiar relationships between a man and a woman are the only “normal” model, and that anything outside of these boundaries is seen as an exception or even an aberration.

This approach not only shapes the general opinion about sexuality, but also influences social institutions: family, education, legislation and media. It sets rigid rules about what gender roles should be, how people should structure their personal lives, and what relationships are worthy of recognition. As a result, people who do not fit into traditional assumptions may face marginalization and discrimination.

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How does heteronormativity manifest itself?

The cultural aspect

Since childhood, we have been surrounded by the image of ideal love, where a man and a woman are the only possible couple; it’s even seen in fairy tales, movies, books and advertisements. If only such relationships are shown everywhere, other forms of love are overlooked or perceived as something unusual. In this sense, people absorb these perceptions from childhood, which affects their perception of the world.

State institutions

Laws and public policies also support heteronormative attitudes. For example, if same-sex couples cannot marry or face restrictions on adoption rights, this is an example of institutional heteronormativity. In some countries, laws directly or indirectly discriminate against any relationship outside the traditional family.

Relationships between individuals

Heteronormative expectations manifest themselves in everyday life - in the family, at work, and even socializing with friends. For example, a person may face pressure from relatives who ask, “When is the wedding?” or “When will there be children?” implying only the traditional life scenario. Such expectations can be imposed by society so deeply that people do not even think about how much they limit their freedom of choice.

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What are traditional gender norms?

Society defines traditional gender norms by defining how men and women should exist and by setting their social expectations of roles. In this sense, each culture and family tradition establishes and maintains specific standards that define natural and appropriate behavior.

The basic concept of traditional norms rests on the limited belief that heterosexuality is the only sexual preference; therefore, society accepts any form outside the expectations of heterosexuality as an abnormal condition without any research or evaluation. In this system, the man acts as protector and provider, as well as the dominant figure, while the woman fulfills her assigned roles as caregiver and homemaker. These biological explanations are not the same as how these perceptions have actually emerged under the influence of culture and family.

Traditional norms involve hierarchical differences between men and women in terms of their level of power. Traditionally, men have had access to more political positions coupled with economic opportunities and social status, while different genders, including women, remain restricted in their freedom and discriminated against. There are multiple genders as well as different sexual orientations in the world, but traditional norms refuse to recognize them, thus creating social pressure and marginalization against people whose identities differ from the accepted framework.

Traditional gender attitudes are formed in early childhood through family upbringing as well as schooling and media exposure; for instance, parenting and behavioral lessons encourage girls to demonstrate caring and submission, and boys to achieve independence. The presentation of information about gender diversity through distorted channels and hidden records creates a one-sided view of the world. Traditional gender norms shape human behavior and simultaneously affect a person's life opportunities and ultimate rights and freedom of choice.

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