Stories of Non‐Becoming: Non‐Issues, Non‐Events and Non‐Identities in Asexual Lives. Issue 2 (22nd February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scott, Susie; McDonnell, Liz; Dawson, Matt
• Is Part Of: Symbolic interaction. Volume 39:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 268
• Page End: 286
• Publication Date: 2016-02-22
• Subjects: asexuality -- identity -- non‐becoming -- career trajectory; Symbolic interactionism -- Periodicals; Interactionnisme symbolique -- Périodiques; 302
• DOI: 10.1002/symb.215
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6086

Abstract

Abstract : In contrast to conventional models of positively "becoming" an identity through social interaction, this article explores the inverse, negational process of "non‐becoming, " whereby actors start but do not continue along an identity career trajectory. Through cumulative attrition, interactions and encounters at key moments create an overall pattern of non‐progression. Using asexuality as an example, we identify three main trajectory stages of non‐awareness, communicative negation and non‐consolidation, each involving interactional contingencies. With a wider applicability to other repudiated identities, this model shows how even negational symbolic social objects (non‐issues, non‐events, and non‐identities) are constituted through social interaction.