Navigating the Stigma of Pedophilia: The Experiences of Nine Minor Attracted Men in Canada
| Place Published | Simon Fraser University, Canada |
| Extent | 99 pp |
| Publication Language | EnGlish |
| Short Title | Navigating the Stigma of Pedophilia |
Abstract
This thesis presents findings and analysis arising from semi-structured qualitative interviews with nine minor-attracted men (i.e. men who are primarily attracted to children and/or adolescents) in Canada.
The central research question is “how do minor-attracted people understand and manage their stigmatized identities?” I situated the participants' experiences within a broader social context by reviewing relevant academic literature, laws, and dominant cultural attitudes. Utilizing a symbolic-interactionist approach, and drawing on Goffman's concept of “stigma,” t
his thesis illustrates the unique challenges facing
minor-attracted people.
The study reveals that minor-attracted
people become aware of their sexuality at an early age, experience
stress caused by real or perceived societal rejection, and encounter
both positive and negative reacti
The conclusion underscores the need for a new approach to dealing with
minor-attraction
in contemporary Western society. I offer eight recommendations for
instituting a strategy which incorporates empathy, education, and
anti-discrimination measures.
PDF version: navigating_the_stigma_of_paedophilia.pdf
Parts and Quotes from this book:
- Apporoval ...
- License ...
- Ethics Statement ...
- Acknowledgements ...
- List of Tables ...
Table of Contents
Introduction
Thesis Overview
- Chapter 1. Toward a Conceptual Framework for Studying Minor-Attraction
Overview
Barriers to Achieving Social Acceptance
A New Perspective on Minor-Attraction
Conventional Research on Pedophilia
“Everyday” Minor-Attracted People and the Importance of a Qualitative Approach
Disclosure
The Sociological Heritage of this Thesis
Summary
Chapter 2. Context, Methods, and Participants
Research Questions
Instrument of Data Collection
Recruitment
Ethics Approval Process
The Participants
The Research Experience
Data Analysis
Chapter 3. Establishing a Minor-Attracted Identity
Overview
The Nature of the Attraction
Self-Realization
Boy-lovers, Girl-lovers, and Other Terms
Identifying as Minor-Attracted
Summary
Chapter 4. Disclosing a Minor-Attracted Identity
Overview
Why Minor-Attracted People Disclose their Identities
Recipients of Disclosure
Reactions to Revealing a Minor-Attracted Identity
Consequences of Disclosure
Summary
Chapter 5. Coping with Stigma and Finding a Place in Society
Overview
The Role of Minor-Attracted People in Contemporary Western Societies
Summary
Conclusion
Overview
Spoiled Identity and the Resilience of Minor-Attracted People
Recommendations for Improving the Situation Facing Minor-Attracted People
1. Empathize with Minor-Attracted People
2. Distribute a Help Guide for Minor-Attracted People
3. Create Access to Mental Health Services
4. Provide Specialized Training for Mental Health Professionals
5. Support Opportunities for Minor-Attracted People to Experience Sexual
Fulfillment
6. Improve Sexual Health Education in Primary and Secondary Schools
7. Provide Resources to Loved Ones of Minor-Attracted People
8. Protect the Rights of Minor-Attracted People
Suggestions for Future Research
Conclusion
References
Appendix
