Generativity in the Lives of Non-Metropolitan Lesbians and Gay Men

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Human and Community Development

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Masciadrelli, Brian Paul

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ramona Faith Oswald

• Gender Studies

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3269972

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/87194