Opposing Stereotypes: Understanding Identities in Online Communities for Minor-Attracted Persons
(2025) CCRM20 20241Sociology
- Abstract
- This thesis examines the collective identity negotiation among online community members identifying as Minor-Attracted Persons (MAPs). Through a comprehensive analysis that includes twenty unstructured qualitative interviews and a qualitative survey with ninety-four responses, the research aims to illuminate how MAPs construct, redefine, and sustain identities that counteract the pervasive stigma associated with their attraction to children. Utilising theoretical frameworks by Jeffrey C. Alexander, Erving Goffman, Michael L. Schwalbe, and Douglas Mason-Schrock, the study contextualises MAPs' identity work within a broader social environment that largely condemns both their attraction and their quest for agency. By employing an... (More)
- This thesis examines the collective identity negotiation among online community members identifying as Minor-Attracted Persons (MAPs). Through a comprehensive analysis that includes twenty unstructured qualitative interviews and a qualitative survey with ninety-four responses, the research aims to illuminate how MAPs construct, redefine, and sustain identities that counteract the pervasive stigma associated with their attraction to children. Utilising theoretical frameworks by Jeffrey C. Alexander, Erving Goffman, Michael L. Schwalbe, and Douglas Mason-Schrock, the study contextualises MAPs' identity work within a broader social environment that largely condemns both their attraction and their quest for agency. By employing an understanding-based methodology, this investigation delves into MAPs’ collective identity formation, outlining how online community members navigate societal perceptions that deem the attraction to children monstrous and the internal community dynamics. The findings reveal three distinct oppositional identities that MAPs adopt to counter the oppressive stereotypes of monstrosity: Being Human, a Sexual Minority, and Protectors of Children. Additionally, the study uncovers three further identities that MAPs develop to differentiate themselves from other members within the online community: Sacrificial Guardianship, Defending Human Liberty, and Promoting Emancipation. In doing so, this research contributes significantly to a more nuanced understanding of identity negotiation, stigma management, and the myriad challenges faced by MAPs, thereby enriching contemporary understandings of individuals living with a stigmatised sexual identity. (Less)
- Popular Abstract
- Online communities where adults with a sexual attraction to children operate have faced scrutiny and debate. On one hand, online communities on the dark web have facilitated the sexual exploitation of children. On the other hand, online communities on the open web have emerged as spaces for identity negotiation and activist pursuits among Minor-Attracted Persons (MAPs). Although popular culture has significantly influenced public perception of MAPs by reinforcing stereotypes and social anxieties, recent scientific findings reveal that the online MAP community is more diverse than previously thought.
This thesis examines how members of online communities for individuals attracted to children on the open web collectively negotiate... (More) - Online communities where adults with a sexual attraction to children operate have faced scrutiny and debate. On one hand, online communities on the dark web have facilitated the sexual exploitation of children. On the other hand, online communities on the open web have emerged as spaces for identity negotiation and activist pursuits among Minor-Attracted Persons (MAPs). Although popular culture has significantly influenced public perception of MAPs by reinforcing stereotypes and social anxieties, recent scientific findings reveal that the online MAP community is more diverse than previously thought.
This thesis examines how members of online communities for individuals attracted to children on the open web collectively negotiate identities. The research involved an online qualitative survey of 94 responses and 20 unstructured interviews with members of various online communities. Participants’ accounts were analysed using three theoretical perspectives: the sacred-profane dichotomy, identity work as a group process, and stigma. These frameworks provided insights into participants' identity work and their efforts to ascribe meaning to their identities.
This study investigates how identity is collectively negotiated among members of the online community for MAPs in contemporary modernity, where this subject is compounded by stigma and surrounded by moral and legal concerns. In doing so, this thesis addresses the paradox of Western societies that simultaneously condemn the attraction to children through the promotion of child protection while at times tolerating or even sexualising children through media and popular culture. By examining the cultural, emotional, and social dimensions of MAPs' sexual identity, this thesis hopes to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the identity work of adults sexually attracted to children.
This thesis issues a trigger warning. Due to this topic's sensitivity, the findings may be difficult or upsetting for readers, including MAPs, to engage with. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9183658
- author
- Amnell, Celine LU
- supervisor
-
- Erik Hannerz LU
- organization
- course
- CCRM20 20241
- year
- 2025
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Identity Work, Stigma, MAPs, Online Community, Sexual Identity
- language
- English
- id
- 9183658
- date added to LUP
- 2025-01-31 14:27:38
- date last changed
- 2025-01-31 14:27:38
@misc{9183658,
abstract = {{This thesis examines the collective identity negotiation among online community members identifying as Minor-Attracted Persons (MAPs). Through a comprehensive analysis that includes twenty unstructured qualitative interviews and a qualitative survey with ninety-four responses, the research aims to illuminate how MAPs construct, redefine, and sustain identities that counteract the pervasive stigma associated with their attraction to children. Utilising theoretical frameworks by Jeffrey C. Alexander, Erving Goffman, Michael L. Schwalbe, and Douglas Mason-Schrock, the study contextualises MAPs' identity work within a broader social environment that largely condemns both their attraction and their quest for agency. By employing an understanding-based methodology, this investigation delves into MAPs’ collective identity formation, outlining how online community members navigate societal perceptions that deem the attraction to children monstrous and the internal community dynamics. The findings reveal three distinct oppositional identities that MAPs adopt to counter the oppressive stereotypes of monstrosity: Being Human, a Sexual Minority, and Protectors of Children. Additionally, the study uncovers three further identities that MAPs develop to differentiate themselves from other members within the online community: Sacrificial Guardianship, Defending Human Liberty, and Promoting Emancipation. In doing so, this research contributes significantly to a more nuanced understanding of identity negotiation, stigma management, and the myriad challenges faced by MAPs, thereby enriching contemporary understandings of individuals living with a stigmatised sexual identity.}},
author = {{Amnell, Celine}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Opposing Stereotypes: Understanding Identities in Online Communities for Minor-Attracted Persons}},
year = {{2025}},
}