Molly Swift

Date of Award

2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Graham, Steven

Keywords

Queer, Prototype, Analysis, Identity, LGBTQ, Politics

Area of Concentration

Psychology

Abstract

The present research investigated queer identity though the method of prototype analysis and found features such as self-identification, anti-oppression, and anti-heteronormativity to be central attributes to the concept of queer. In Study 1, an online survey of 103 online queer forum users, generated a list of 56 features that characterize the concept of queer. In Study 2, a survey of 102 college students served to verify the centrality of those features. Between-group differences were found between queer-identified and non-queer-identified respondents, such that queer-identified participants rated the majority of the 56 features as more central to their concept of queer, as well as their self-concept. Many non-queer-identified participants, however, also rated the many of the 56 items as central to their self-concepts. The findings support a complex understanding of queer as a constellation of qualities a person may have, regardless of if they personally elect a queer identity.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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