The paradox of sex: A thematic analysis of identity among indian cis-gendered female asexuals

Title

The paradox of sex: A thematic analysis of identity among indian cis-gendered female asexuals

Creator

Banerjee, Trina; Jayasankara Reddy, K.

Description

Asexuality is the absence of sexual attraction to others or a low desire for sexual activity. In the collectivistic culture of India, the lack of sexual relations after marriage is judged from a lens of "normalcy." Asexuality is often an invisible spectrum among the queer population and usually does not get the desired attention. Individuals who identify as asexuals may not always be opposed to romantic relationships. However, the heteronomative pressures of adhering to approved social roles for romantic partners may affect them. The study aims to understand the different sources of coercion and constraints in romantic relationships experienced by individuals who identify as asexuals through in-depth interviews. The interviews tap into the mental health of asexual women in a heteronormative society. The variables in focus are coping styles, beliefs, self-image, social attitude, and relationship dynamics. The study follows a thematic approach where the emerging themes from the in-depth interviews will be analyzed in detail to form a theoretical framework to explain the heteronormative pressures on asexual women. The findings will be examined from a feminist perspective, considering the equality of all genders and sexual expressions. The findings are also analyzed using Kristeva's concept of abjection, to explore asexuality as an "abject" in a collectivistic society. Asexuality is thus seen as deviant and worthy of separation from "normal sexual expression" in a society that has conflicting opinions about sex and sexuality. Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. All rights reserved.

Source

Psychology of Sexuality & Mental Health Vol. 2: Modern Approaches;pp.147-172

Date

01-01-2025

Publisher

Springer Nature

Subject

Abjection; Asexual women; Asexuality; Feminism; Mental health; Sexual roles

Coverage

Banerjee T., CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India; Jayasankara Reddy K., CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISBN: 978-981978971-9; 978-981978970-2;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Book chapter

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-8971-9_5

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105005818310?origin=resultslist