Stories of non-becoming: non-issues, non-events and non-identities in asexual lives

Scott, S., McDonnell, L. and Dawson, M. (2016) Stories of non-becoming: non-issues, non-events and non-identities in asexual lives. Symbolic Interaction, 39(2), pp. 268-286. (doi: 10.1002/SYMB.215)

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Abstract

In contrast to conventional models of positively ‘becoming’ an identity through social interaction, this article explores the inverse, negational process of ‘non-becoming’, whereby actors start but do not continue along an identity career trajectory. Through cumulative attrition, key interactions and encounters at each stage influence non-progression to the next. Using asexuality as an example, we identify three main trajectory stages of non-awareness, communicative negation and non-consolidation, each involving interactional contingencies. With a wider applicability to other repudiated identities, this model shows how even negational symbolic social objects (non-issues, non-events and non-identities) are constituted through social interaction.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This article draws on findings from a project funded by The Leverhulme Trust (RPG-2012-575), held at the University of Sussex.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Dawson, Professor Matt
Authors: Scott, S., McDonnell, L., and Dawson, M.
Subjects:H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
Journal Name:Symbolic Interaction
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1533-8665
ISSN (Online):1533-8665
Published Online:22 February 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction
First Published:First published in Symbolic Interaction 39(2):268-286
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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