Generative Ritual Among Nonmetropolitan Lesbians and Gay Men: Promoting Social Inclusion

Abstract

Generativity is typically studied as a normative adult inclination expressed through social roles (D.P. McAdams & E. de St. Aubin, 1992). We extend this research by examining generativity through the lenses of social marginality and ritual. Toward this end, we utilize in‐depth interview and observational data about family rituals from 49 downstate Illinois residents who participated in a larger survey of nonmetropolitan lesbian and gay life. We first examine their ritual intentions and the locations where they are enacted. Then we identify what makes the rituals generative and identify their facilitating and moderating conditions. The findings suggest a distinction between normative and queer generativity. Our final product is a substantive grounded theory of generativity among sexual minorities that extends current theory.

Motivations for Involvement in Nonmetropolitan LGBTQ Organizations: A Multimethod Qualitative Exploration

“…These findings affirm previous research on generativity, which has found that nonmetropolitan gay men and lesbians often acted on generative concerns (Oswald & Masciadrelli, 2008). Furthermore, our findings relate to generativity theories, particularly recent research on generativity among nonmetropolitan LGBTQ individuals (Oswald & Masciadrelli, 2008;Paceley et al, 2014).…”

“…Most studies of generativity have focused on heterosexual individuals in mid-life and describe generativity as the provision of institutions and resources out of concern for future generations (McAdams & St. Aubin, 1998). Research with nonmetropolitan LGBTQ individuals found that generativity was linked to bringing broader community awareness to LGBTQ issues, motivations based in religion, and role demands, such as being a parent (Oswald & Masciadrelli, 2008). Paceley, Oswald, and Hardesty (2014) also examined the concept of generativity and found that individuals in nonmetropolitan areas who felt emotional attachments to the LGBTQ community were more likely to become involved in different types of LGBTQ organizations including political, professional, religious, and social organizations, as well as community centers.…”

Promoting LatinX Generativity: Cultural Humility and Transformative Complicity Through Geriatric Teams

“…The research of Turner et al (2015) revealed a focus on family, patience, tolerance, and love as common values in the narratives of their focus group participants. These caregiving priorities are relevant to altruism and the transgenerational sharing of history in broader LGBTQ elderly community family networks (Oswald & Masciadrelli, 2008). Interestingly, however, Turner et al point to a positive role of the often-criticized biomedical model.…”

“…In addition, compounded stigma resulting from ethnic and LGBTQ identity is often sufficient to keep the clients themselves from seeking medical attention. Their difficulties are further exacerbated when health care professionals are ignorant about the complex needs of multiple subjugated identities (Gratwick, Jihanian, Holloway, Sanchez, & Sullivan, 2014;Oswald, & Masciadrelli, 2008;Pasupathi et al, 1995;Turner et al, 2015). It is for this reason that the Partnership for Health and Aging sponsored by the American Geriatric Society (Young et al, 2011) has convened 20 participating organizations to improve elder care.…”

“…These can help children and family members develop norms of filial responsibility (p. 1259). Similarly, Oswald and Masciadrelli (2008) provide an insightful discussion of Erik Erikson's work on generativity and ritual in extended rural LGBTQ families. Their work stresses the empowering effect of generativity through extended/fictive kin relationship in reenacted or newly created rituals.…”