Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
Sociology
Date of Award
5-2014
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Melissa Schrift, Martha Copp
Committee Members
Joseph Baker
Abstract
Despite an increased awareness of the diversity of gender identities, butch and femme roles continue to be viewed as lesbian stereotypes that reinforce rather than challenge heteronormativity. This study explores how self-identified butch and femme lesbian women define themselves and how their identities influence their sexual/romantic relationships. Interviews were conducted with 20 lesbians who identified as butch, femme, or neither to learn what these identities meant to them. While the interviewees saw their identities as unique, a number of similarities emerged. This thesis analyzes the themes of conflict with a gender binary model, stereotypes of butch and femme, replication of heterosexuality, labeling stigma, family support, and finally romantic/sexual relationships. Women identifying as butch and femme attempt to defy the societal norms of what gender identity and relationship behavior should look like, yet they may unintentionally reinforce heteronormative gender roles.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Cooter, Joey F., "Butch, Femme, or Neither? What Owning These Identities Means" (2014). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 2365. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2365
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.