Anderson’s model of homohysteria : a cohort analysis of two generations of athletes and employees

While hostile attitudes towards sexual minorities characterised much of the 20th century, more contemporary research has documented a gradual shift towards inclusivity, particularly among younger generations. Moreover, despite frequent claims to the contrary, research in sport has also documented greater acceptance of LGB athletes; research in the workplace, however, paints a more mixed picture. This thesis uses McCormack and Anderson’s (2014) model of homohysteria – which has primarily focused on millennial men – to examine attitudes towards sexual minorities among both male and female Generation X and Generation Z participants. A total of 60 in-depth, semi-structured interviews across 12 cohorts – categorised by age (18- 24 and 44-52), gender (male and female), and environment (rugby, hockey and the workplace) – were conducted, having been recruited via social media. Data analysed using both thematic analysis and critical realism. Consistent with McCormack and Anderson’s (2014) model of homohysteria, findings presented clear evidence of a generational divide. Most Generation X participants (22 out of 30) across both sport and work espoused hostile attitudes towards sexual minorities. They also rejected LGB inclusion, both in sport and the workplace, reinforced traditional gender norms, and frequently used homophobic language. Only a small proportion (eight out of 30) espoused inclusive attitudes. In contrast, Generation Z participants were unanimous in their inclusivity of sexual minorities and none of them articulated any objection to participating or working with LGB individuals. Additionally, these participants also embraced diverse gender expression, and rejected the use of homophobic language. A large proportion also had openly LGB colleagues and teammates. Situating these findings in the context of McCormack and Anderson’s (2014) model of homohysteria, there is evidence of what I call ‘generational lag’. Indeed, despite the improvement of cultural attitudes towards sexual minorities in recent years, Generation X participants still clung to outdated notions of gender and sexuality. Further, applying this model to female participants – thus advancing it beyond its male-centric focus – demonstrates its relevance through evidence of both orthodox and inclusive femininities. Finally, this research also confirms the model’s applicability to a new generation of participants – Generation Z – by showing continued levels of acceptance of inclusivity, consistent with extensive research on millennials.

Grantor dc:publisher

Oxford Brookes University

Author dc:creator

• Humphries, Connor Tyler

Contributors dc:contributor

• Astrid Schloerscheidt
• Rory Magrath
• Simon Phelan

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.24384/s6ac-7q32

OAI identifier oai:identifier

tle:923ceb93-2f87-4217-ab26-e41ac35e9f75:d6bd9758-527a-46cd-bfe2-c433766e8fca:1