Deck 19: Intimacy and Emotion Work in Lesbian, Gay, and Heterosexual Relationships

Question 1

Explain what it means to query intimacy. Why is the concept important for understanding same-sex couples? Use an example from the reading, your own life, or media to demonstrate the importance of queering intimacy.

Answer 1

Varies. May include the following:
-queering intimacy means challenging heteronormative gendered views of intimacy
-same-sex couple may diverge from hetero-norms and may experience intimacy and relationships in different ways

Question 2

The researchers conclude that gay men may place less value on sexual exclusivity because ______.

A) gay men were more likely to describe a separation between emotional intimacy and sex
B) emotional boundaries between gay partners prevent commitment
C) gay men are more able to hide their feelings behind emotional boundaries
D) gay relationships been portrayed less often in popular culture

Answer 2

A

Question 3

In what type of relationship was minimizing boundaries and sharing intimate thoughts especially prevalent?

A) lesbian relationships
B) heterosexual relationships
C) gay relationships
D) any relationship involving a woman

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Researchers found that men ______.

A) in same-sex relationships tend to emphasize the importance of minimizing boundaries
B) in all relationship types are open and expressive of emotions
C) in heterosexual relationships tend to respond to their partner's efforts by sharing more of their feelings over time
D) tend to shut down in response to their partner's demands for more emotional expression

Question 5

Describe the typical emotion work and boundaries in (1) lesbian relationships, (2) heterosexual relationships, and (3) gay relationships.

Question 6

The goal of Umberson, Thomeer, and Lodge's study was to ______.

A) examine why men and women approach emotional intimacy differently and how this gender dynamic is reflected in same-sex relationships
B) examine gendered meanings and experiences of intimacy in same-sex and heterosexual relationships
C) examine whether same-sex relationships are negatively impacted by the heteronormative focus on emotional intimacy
D) compare how experiences of intimacy differ in relationships involving two men and two women

Question 7

Women in both same-sex and different-sex relationships are more likely than men to ______?

A) disregard the importance of boundary permeation
B) approve of the separation of sex from emotional intimacy
C) place emphasis on the importance of emotional intimacy for positive sexual interactions
D) be victims of cultural norms that shape behavior

Question 8

A gender-as-relational approach focuses on ______.

A) the difference among women and the differences among men
B) the ways the men and women view emotions as essential to romantic relationships
C) the ways that men and women differ in experiences in intimate relationships
D) the ways that gender stereotypes in relationships persist regardless of the gender of the romantic partner

Question 9

Which of the following was observed in heterosexual relationships only and NOT in gay or lesbian relationships?

A) share emotions as a means of intimacy, despite emotional drain
B) emphasize the importance of providing sufficient emotional space
C) agree about boundaries and intimacy
D) the maintenance of boundaries between partners because they felt they could not help their partner

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT described by Umberson, Thomeer, and Lodge as a form of emotion more often seen in women than men?

A) expression of emotions
B) encouraging communication of feelings
C) repression of emotions
D) emotional projection