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heteronormative

heteronormative

4 8.7
Seeing straight couples and families as the normal or preferred type in society
  • adjective
  • /ˌhɛtərəˈnɔrmətɪv/
translation icon : heteronormativo
  • Despite the "new" sexual freedom, the dominant socio-cultural demands are primarily heteronormative.
  • heteronormative society
  • heteronormative expectations
  • heteronormative content

They just assume that anyone defending capitalism, if they're a white heteronormative male, it must be because they're trying to.

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Examples

  • Same-sex attraction represents a more profound break with heteronormative socialization than same-sex experience in itself does.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Mason's book was written for other laypeople and picked up on similar themes of trauma, experience, and heteronormative masculinity.

    Academic text (2012)
  • It's a heteronormative thing that girls do.

  • You think, though, it's too heteronormative?

  • Not to sound too heteronormative, but maybe Charlotte's right.

  • Family time essentially revolves around the needs of children and supports a heteronormative framework.

    Academic text (2017)
  • Japanese heteronormative norms compel Japanese men to find jobs and become good family providers.

    Academic text (2018)
  • In Asian American criticism, the consensus is that Daisy and Joey's relationship reinforces heteronormative values.

    Academic text (2016)
  • From an outward perspective, Hugo Graubel is the epitome of the heteronormative family man.

    Academic text (2017)
  • Many movies promote a heteronormative view of relationships that can affect societal expectations.

Synonyms

heterosexist
vsheteronormative
  • Offensive
1 8.7

Treating heterosexual relationships as better than other relationships

assumes or promotes heterosexual relationships as normal rather than asserting superiority
heterocentric
vsheteronormative
9.6

To put straight relationships first and ignore other sexual orientations

assumes or promotes heterosexual relationships as normal rather than merely centering norms

How Heteronormative

heterosexist
  • Offensive
1 8.7
exclusionary
16 7.2
heteronormative
4 8.7
neutral
218 3.6
inclusive
88 4.1

Surface Forms

heteronormative positive

Morphology

heteronormative = normative (semi-transparent) = hetero + norm + ative

Formed by adding the combining form 'hetero-' to 'normative'; the composition is clear but 'normative' is an abstract/academic term that may be unfamiliar to lower-level learners.

Etymology

Heteronormative is made of hetero- ('different', used in heterosexual to mean 'opposite-sex') and norm ('normal rule'), so it names the idea that opposite-sex relationships are treated as the usual or preferred kind in society.