Question

In the article, 'Working Class Masculinity: Keeping Gay Men and Lesbians out of the Workplace,' the authors argue that the norms of masculinity for White, working class people serve to exclude gays and lesbians from equal participation. What do they mean by this?

A. The article argues that working-class masculinity promotes inclusivity for all sexual orientations
B. The article suggests that working-class masculinity has no impact on the inclusion of gays and lesbians
C. The article argues that norms of working-class masculinity contribute to the exclusion of gays and lesbians
D. The article suggests that working-class masculinity is irrelevant to workplace dynamics

Answer 1

The article argues that norms of working-class masculinity contribute to the exclusion of gays and lesbians from the workplace by promoting a restrictive understanding of acceptable male behavior and marginalizing those who do not conform to these gender and sexual norms. Therefore, the correct answer to the question about what the article argues regarding how the norms of masculinity for White, working class people serve to exclude gays and lesbians from equal participation is Option C: the article argues that norms of working-class masculinity contribute to the exclusion of gays and lesbians.

Step-by-step explanation:

The article titled 'Working Class Masculinity: Keeping Gay Men and Lesbians out of the Workplace' contends that norms of working-class masculinity act as a barrier to the inclusion of gays and lesbians in the workplace. These norms create a restrictive environment of what is deemed appropriate male behavior, often associated with heteronormativity and patriarchal values. This environment leads to the exclusion of those not conforming to traditional gender roles or expressing sexuality that deviates from heterosexual norms. Historically, characteristics associated with masculinity such as aggression, dominance, and the rejection of effeminacy have been prized, leading to cultural exclusion of individuals displaying characteristics or identities opposed to these norms. In workplaces governed by such norms, those who do not fit the mold, including many gays and lesbians, can find themselves marginalized or omitted from equal participation.

By examining various cultural artifacts and historical patterns, the article suggests that this cult of masculinity has deep roots and significant impact on how sexual orientation and gender expression are perceived and policed within the workplace. This results in a climate where the existence and visibility of gay and lesbian identities are suppressed to maintain the image of working-class masculinity.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question about what the article argues regarding how the norms of masculinity for White, working class people serve to exclude gays and lesbians from equal participation is Option C: the article argues that norms of working-class masculinity contribute to the exclusion of gays and lesbians.