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Nature, Nurture, and Institutional Norms: A Comparative Study of Left-Handed and Queer Identities.

Malmberg, Alma LU (2025) UTVK03 20251
Sociology
Abstract
This thesis investigates the parallels between experiences of left-handed individuals and queer individuals to explore how societal norms are constructed and maintained through prejudice. The study draws on theories such as social constructivism, labelling theory, symbolic interactionism, Foucault’s concept of power and knowledge, and the sociological concepts of stigma and norms. Through surveys and literary analysis, the research emphasises how both left-handedness and queerness have been historically marginalized and been subject to correction, despite being natural variations in human identity and behaviour. Data is collected through surveys that focus on personal opinions and experiences as marginalized individuals. The findings... (More)
This thesis investigates the parallels between experiences of left-handed individuals and queer individuals to explore how societal norms are constructed and maintained through prejudice. The study draws on theories such as social constructivism, labelling theory, symbolic interactionism, Foucault’s concept of power and knowledge, and the sociological concepts of stigma and norms. Through surveys and literary analysis, the research emphasises how both left-handedness and queerness have been historically marginalized and been subject to correction, despite being natural variations in human identity and behaviour. Data is collected through surveys that focus on personal opinions and experiences as marginalized individuals. The findings establish that social norms are not fixed truths and depend on the current collective agreements, being products of cultural narratives and institutional practices. The analysis reveals that both left-handed individuals and queer individuals encounter pressures to conform to dominant norms upheld by institutions and everyday interactions. By drawing connections between different forms of norm deviation, the thesis contributes to a broader understanding of how prejudice influences daily life. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Malmberg, Alma LU
supervisor
organization
course
UTVK03 20251
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Left-handedness, Queerness, Stigma, Prejudice, Norms
language
English
id
9212473
date added to LUP
2025-09-16 10:46:47
date last changed
2025-09-16 10:46:47
@misc{9212473,
  abstract     = {{This thesis investigates the parallels between experiences of left-handed individuals and queer individuals to explore how societal norms are constructed and maintained through prejudice. The study draws on theories such as social constructivism, labelling theory, symbolic interactionism, Foucault’s concept of power and knowledge, and the sociological concepts of stigma and norms. Through surveys and literary analysis, the research emphasises how both left-handedness and queerness have been historically marginalized and been subject to correction, despite being natural variations in human identity and behaviour. Data is collected through surveys that focus on personal opinions and experiences as marginalized individuals. The findings establish that social norms are not fixed truths and depend on the current collective agreements, being products of cultural narratives and institutional practices. The analysis reveals that both left-handed individuals and queer individuals encounter pressures to conform to dominant norms upheld by institutions and everyday interactions. By drawing connections between different forms of norm deviation, the thesis contributes to a broader understanding of how prejudice influences daily life.}},
  author       = {{Malmberg, Alma}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Nature, Nurture, and Institutional Norms: A Comparative Study of Left-Handed and Queer Identities.}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}