| Abstract [eng] |
The paper analyzes the identity formation experiences of boys who do not conform to heteronormativity and currently identify as homosexual in the context of a high school environment that fosters "appropriate male behavior". The relevance of the topic is defined, on the one hand, by the traditional societal expectations regarding identities associated with biological sex and their development in high schools, and, on the other hand, by new knowledge about genders related to the discussion of legal documents, conventions, and laws. The scientific problem of the topic is related to the ideas of deconstructing the binary nature of social gender and heteronormativity, as well as the analysis of the diversity of masculinity and femininity. The aim of the master's thesis is to investigate how social agents in high school shape male identity and how homosexual men experience the situation of "being different". The theoretical sections of the paper discuss the issues of social gender binary, the deconstruction of heteronormativity, and the multifaceted nature of masculinity. Works by foreign and Lithuanian authors on the influence of social agents (parents, teachers, peers, and others) in shaping social gender identity at various stages of life are presented. Guided by the theoretical ideas of J. Butler and A. Tereškinas on the (de)construction of social gender identity and heterosexualized norms, the "real boy" social construct is examined, indicating the direction of gender identity formation in high school; the social agents forming gender identity and their practices with the "different" are highlighted; the emotional feelings of homosexual boys and their coping strategies are described. Research data show that the portrait of the "real boy" formed in high school clearly reveals heterosexualized norms. Social agents forming the gender identity of homosexual boys in high school are identified. The perception of masculinity obtained in the family is either deepened or denied by teachers, for example, by making comments about the boys' clothing and appearance or through hidden curriculum practices (e.g., tolerating bullying in school spaces). Perhaps the most important social agent in the process of forming masculinity identity in high school is peers. On the one hand, boys often bully and strictly sanction boys who do not conform to heteronormative standards, while girls at school do not justify this; on the contrary, they create a safe environment for such boys. These interactions with social agents create a sense of "being different". The resulting negative experiences forced homosexual boys to seek problem-solving and self-protection mechanisms. The most common strategy to protect themselves was to observe the environment and, by mimicking "appropriate" masculinity, hide their "difference". |
