Freedom and foreclosure: intimate consequences for asexual identities

Dawson, M. , Scott, S. and McDonnell, L. (2019) Freedom and foreclosure: intimate consequences for asexual identities. Families, Relationships and Societies, 8(1), pp. 7-22. (doi: 10.1332/204674317X15011694317558)

[img]
Preview
Text
137853.pdf - Accepted Version

418kB

Abstract

This article considers the intersections between identity and intimate practices for asexual people. Drawing on findings from a project exploring asexual lives, we argue that asexual identification produced consequences for intimate lives in the form of either freedom or foreclosure. Eight perceptions of increased freedom or foreclosure in personal life are discussed. Using Symbolic Interactionist theory, we suggest that these attitudes reflected tendencies towards either introspection or negotiation. In all cases, however, participants drew on conceptions of significant others, real or imagined, and what was considered to be acceptable in intimate relationships. We conclude by highlighting how our argument reminds us of the need to be aware of the relational elements of intimate lives.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Dawson, Professor Matt
Authors: Dawson, M., Scott, S., and McDonnell, L.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
Journal Name:Families, Relationships and Societies
Publisher:Policy Press
ISSN:2046-7435
ISSN (Online):2046-7443
Published Online:31 July 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 Policy Press
First Published:First published in Families, Relationships and Societies 8(1):7-22
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record