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Glite Dictionary
heteronormativity

heteronormativity

1 9.9
The idea that straight relationships and traditional gender roles are normal and preferred in society
  • noun
  • /ˌhɛtərəˈnɔrməˌtɪvɪti/
translation icon : heteronormatividad
  • The examples of a "system of oppression" include capitalism, patriarchy, white supremacy, and heteronormativity.
  • break with heteronormativity
  • expectations of heteronormativity

They're not victims of, quote, the patriarchy or heteronormativity or other abstractions.

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Examples

  • While calling out straight society for the propagation of heteronormativity and what is essentially a broken system, neither Wittman nor his contemporaries were ready.

    Academic text (2011)

  • It's like, what has heteronormativity ever done for them?

    Fire Island (2022)

  • The problem out there is not some abstraction like heteronormativity, right?

  • Participants did, however, describe their expectations of encountering heteronormativity when meeting with ART service providers, specifically social workers.

    Academic text (2010)

  • The traditional mask of heteronormativity is the family, as it is articulated and defined in the United States and the wider Western world.

    Academic text (2017)

  • But what do you think about this issue of heteronormativity and how it intersects with the broader structures of racism in society?

    Am I Racist? (2024)

  • The display of male desire in British youth magazines suggests an attempt to reinforce heteronormativity.

    Academic text (2014)

  • Expecting and Experiencing Heteronormativity in the Process of TTC. "Heteronormativity" refers to the social processes through which nonheterosexual orientations are marginalized, ignored, or disparaged.

    Academic text (2010)

  • Likewise, homophobia to reinforce male heteronormativity is pervasive in American culture—something that we must address.

    Blog text (3)

  • Many people are beginning to challenge the societal expectation of heteronormativity in relationships.

Synonyms

heterosexism
vsheteronormativity
  • Offensive
1 9.8

Belief that only people attracted to the opposite sex are normal, causing unfair treatment of others

is more about general social expectations than direct acts of prejudice
heterosex
vsheteronormativity
  • NSFW
9.8

A social belief that relationships between men and women are normal

includes that norm but also assumes traditional gender roles as normal
heterosexualism
vsheteronormativity
  • Offensive
9.9

A social system that treats relationships with the opposite sex as normal and unfairly excludes others

is broader and also assumes traditional gender roles as the norm
straightoid attitude
vsheteronormativity
  • Offensive
9.9

A view that treats being attracted to the opposite sex as normal and excludes other attractions

is a broad cultural assumption applying across institutions and personal life
straighty perspective
vsheteronormativity
  • Offensive
9.9

A viewpoint that thinks only straight relationships are normal

is broader and assumes norms across society including traditional gender roles

How Heteronormative

discrimination
  • Offensive
535 3.5
heterosexism
  • Offensive
1 9.8
heteronormativity
1 9.9
neutrality
22 4.4

Surface Forms

heteronormativity singular
heteronormativities plural

Morphology

heteronormativity = heteronormative (semi-transparent) = hetero + norm + tive + ity

The suffix 'ity' forms a noun indicating a state or condition from the adjective 'heteronormative'.

Etymology

Heteronormativity mixes hetero- (originally 'other', and now used for 'straight' as in heterosexual) with norm ('standard' or 'rule') and the ending -ity ('state of'). So, heteronormativity names the belief that being straight and following usual gender rules is the 'normal' state in society.