ettänormatiivinen

Ettänormatiivinen is a Swedish term that describes a societal structure or ideology that assumes heterosexuality as the default and only acceptable sexual orientation. This perspective often marginalizes or renders invisible any sexual orientations that deviate from heterosexuality, such as homosexuality, bisexuality, pansexuality, and asexuality. In an ettänormatiivinen society, relationships and social norms are typically built around the idea of a male-female pairing, and other forms of relationships may be misunderstood, stigmatized, or legally unrecognized.

The concept of ettänormatiivisyys highlights how deeply ingrained heterosexuality can be in cultural practices, language, and institutions. This can manifest in various ways, from the assumption that everyone has a partner of the opposite sex to the lack of representation of diverse sexualities in media and education. It implies a system where power and privilege are often afforded to heterosexual individuals, while non-heterosexual individuals may face discrimination or exclusion. Understanding ettänormatiivisyys is crucial for recognizing and challenging the societal biases that can limit the acceptance and inclusion of all sexual orientations. It is often contrasted with concepts like queer liberation or LGBTQ+ inclusivity, which aim to dismantle such normative structures.