Mattering in Lambda-award nominated sapphic young adult fiction published from 1990-2020

Bennett, Carly ORCID: 0000-0003-1516-3577 (2024). Mattering in Lambda-award nominated sapphic young adult fiction published from 1990-2020. University of Birmingham. M.A.

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Abstract

This thesis explores the impact of mattering or not mattering on sapphic characters in young adult fiction in three key spaces in their lives: within the family, within the community, and within the wider world. Drawing from existing sociological research, including Meyer’s minority stress model, and close reading of nine award-nominated sapphic young adult texts published between 1990- 2020, this study looks at the ways sapphic protagonists are shown that they do or do not matter and the impact this has on their self-regard and well-being.

Chapter one looks at mattering within the family and discovers the link between not mattering and withdrawal from the family, depersonalisation, and suicidal ideation, while characters who are shown that they matter within their families are able to form deep bonds rooted in honesty and authenticity. Chapter two explores mattering within the community, focusing on the local community, the religious community, and friendships. This chapter highlights the link between not mattering and the development of internalised homophobia, while characters who are shown that they do matter to their communities are able to overcome this internalised homophobia. Chapter three examines mattering within the wider world, focusing on the impact national and statewide policies and attitudes have on spaces frequented by sapphic youth, including high school. This chapter uncovers the link between not mattering within the wider world and the sapphic protagonist’s concealment of her sexuality and withdrawal from community spaces, while characters who are shown that they do matter within the wider world have the confidence to engage in activism and fight back against injustice within their communities.

This thesis ultimately argues that sapphic teenage protagonists who are shown that they do not matter within their family, their communities, and within the wider world experience a negative impact on their identity formation as a result, whereas when characters are shown that they do matter within these spaces, they enjoy a positive impact on their self-regard.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.A.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.A.

Supervisor(s):