Abstract
In the present study, I utilize objectification theory and compulsory heterosexuality as theoretical lenses to investigate lesbian and bisexual young Women of Color’s sexual objectification experiences. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight Black and Latina 16–19 year-old young women who identified as lesbian or bisexual. Using the Listening Guide method of narrative analysis, two voices pertaining to young women’s objectification experiences were identified: a Voice of Surveillance and a Voice of Self-Surveillance. Findings suggest that young women experienced sexual objectification as rooted in their gender, sexuality, and racial identities. Experiences were further shaped by the contexts in which objectification occurred: participants voiced distinct struggles navigating (a) sexual harassment and violence in relationships with peers and romantic partners, (b) sexual harassment and discipline in school, and (c) street harassment and violence from men. Findings highlight the importance of understanding sexual objectification experiences as they are informed by gender, sexuality, and race, as well as the ways that young women actively cope with and resist objectification. Psychologists, activists, and mental health professionals are encouraged to consider how sexual objectification is rooted in multiple forms of oppression, its implications for young women’s identity, desire, and well-being, and how young women can be supported as they struggle against it.
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Acknowledgements
Portions of this research were presented at the Annual Conference of the Association for Women in Psychology (2016) and the Biennial Meeting of the Society for Research on Adolescence (2016).
I am especially grateful to Deborah Tolman and Michelle Fine for their guidance throughout this project, as well as Jason vanOra, Steph Anderson, Kimberly Belmonte, and Allison Cabana for their helpful feedback on earlier versions of my paper.
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This research was supported by a Clara Mayo Grant from The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues.
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Chmielewski, J.F. A Listening Guide Analysis of Lesbian and Bisexual Young Women of Color’s Experiences of Sexual Objectification. Sex Roles 77, 533–549 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-017-0740-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-017-0740-4