Generativity in the Lives of Non-Metropolitan Lesbians and Gay Men
Masciadrelli, Brian Paul
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/87194
Description
Title
Generativity in the Lives of Non-Metropolitan Lesbians and Gay Men
Author(s)
Masciadrelli, Brian Paul
Issue Date
2007
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Ramona Faith Oswald
Department of Study
Human and Community Development
Discipline
Human and Community Development
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Gender Studies
Language
eng
Abstract
This mixed methods study explored generative action in the lives of non-metropolitan lesbians and gay men. A concurrent qualitative-quantitative design was selected with an eye toward understanding what forms of generativity were occurring in respondents' lives and what contextual conditions were promoting that generativity. Qualitative and quantitative data from Rainbow Illinois was used, making both studies secondary data analyses. The qualitative study explored generative action in narrative data about family rituals using grounded theory methods. Participants were a sample of lesbians and gay men (N = 49) from non-metropolitan counties of central and southern Illinois who agreed to be interviewed in-depth. The quantitative study was conducted using survey data, which included the interview respondents in a larger pool of respondents (N = 527), also drawn from non-metropolitan counties of central and southern Illinois. The quantitative analysis tested hypotheses derived from findings in the qualitative analysis. Despite limitations due to secondary data analysis, findings (a) confirmed that five conventionally expected forms of generative action (creating, maintaining, offering, next generation, and symbolic immortality) occurred among the lesbians and gay men, (b) two new forms of enacting generativity were documented (preceding generation and claiming legitimacy), (c) how generative action was performed was frequently gendered, (d) life course factors (e.g., personal experiences of victimization because of identity, family experiences, community opportunities) facilitated generative action, and (e) identity, as well as experiences of victimization and discrimination were implicated in performing generative action. Findings indicate a need for future research elaborating on identity processes contributing to generative action, especially those pertaining to discrimination, stigma, and other victimizations.
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