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Asexual Identification in Japan : Processes, threats, and strategies

Schreurs, Pascalle (2025) COSM40 20251
Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies, Lund University
Abstract
This thesis examines the impact of asexual identification on individuals in Japan. It deploys Identity Process Theory to analyze self-identification processes and argues that the unique experience of asexual individuals requires divergence as a supplementary process. In addition, it examines the threats that self-identified asexual individuals face in their environment and the strategies that they use to manage these threats. These dimensions are explored through semi-structured interviews and an online survey, which are analyzed utilizing thematic coding. This thesis argues that asexual self-identification impacts individuals on levels of intrapersonal dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and self-positioning in the societal structure.... (More)
This thesis examines the impact of asexual identification on individuals in Japan. It deploys Identity Process Theory to analyze self-identification processes and argues that the unique experience of asexual individuals requires divergence as a supplementary process. In addition, it examines the threats that self-identified asexual individuals face in their environment and the strategies that they use to manage these threats. These dimensions are explored through semi-structured interviews and an online survey, which are analyzed utilizing thematic coding. This thesis argues that asexual self-identification impacts individuals on levels of intrapersonal dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and self-positioning in the societal structure. Through the process of self-identification, individuals can frame their sexuality in a meaningful way and resolve negative feelings they had about themselves. However, threats are still prevalent amidst social interaction and the presence of the Japanese structure in society because of the silence on asexuality and the dominance of heterosexual marriage. Asexual individuals employ creative strategies to mitigate these threats with either a direct or indirect approach, which provides them with a method to retain a stable identity structure in an environment that is not always accepting. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Schreurs, Pascalle
supervisor
organization
course
COSM40 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Asexuality, Identity Process Theory (IPT), Identification, Threats, Strategies, Japan
language
English
id
9202348
date added to LUP
2025-06-18 13:10:31
date last changed
2025-06-18 13:10:31
@misc{9202348,
  abstract     = {{This thesis examines the impact of asexual identification on individuals in Japan. It deploys Identity Process Theory to analyze self-identification processes and argues that the unique experience of asexual individuals requires divergence as a supplementary process. In addition, it examines the threats that self-identified asexual individuals face in their environment and the strategies that they use to manage these threats. These dimensions are explored through semi-structured interviews and an online survey, which are analyzed utilizing thematic coding. This thesis argues that asexual self-identification impacts individuals on levels of intrapersonal dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and self-positioning in the societal structure. Through the process of self-identification, individuals can frame their sexuality in a meaningful way and resolve negative feelings they had about themselves. However, threats are still prevalent amidst social interaction and the presence of the Japanese structure in society because of the silence on asexuality and the dominance of heterosexual marriage. Asexual individuals employ creative strategies to mitigate these threats with either a direct or indirect approach, which provides them with a method to retain a stable identity structure in an environment that is not always accepting.}},
  author       = {{Schreurs, Pascalle}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Asexual Identification in Japan : Processes, threats, and strategies}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}