Thawatchai Pachun. Life in two worlds : a qualitative study of identity conflict management among male homosexual medical students in Bangkok. Master's Degree(Health Social Science ). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2008.
Life in two worlds : a qualitative study of identity conflict management among male homosexual medical students in Bangkok
Abstract:
In Thai society, heterosexual norms predominate and usually lead to
discrimination against homosexuals. This study aims to uncover the experiences and
identity management of male medical students who identify as homosexual. A
qualitative approach was used that included in-depth interviews and non-participant
observation to collect data. Five male homosexual medical students (MHMS) from
medical schools in Bangkok were chosen as key-informants via various informal
methods, especially the snow-ball technique. Additionally, eleven people who are in a
medical school context and interact with MHMS were also chosen as informants, i.e.
classmates, teachers, hospital staff, and patients. The non-participant observations were
done five times in different contexts; for instance, at the students welcome rite,
hospital wards, and in class.
The findings revealed that, in general, the life of the studied MHMS
alternated between two worlds, their professional world and their private world. In their
first world, their homosexual identity and desires had to be controlled or managed to
conform with professional norms and expectations, both explicitly and implicitly. In
this context and via the professionalization process, expectations to be mature,
competent, normal, smart, and professional can cause identity conflicts. It was found
that the MHMS usually managed their identity by not visibly deviating from their
heterosexual classmates especially while in class, with their professors and in front of
patients. Their second world appeared when they were free from the medical students
role, a world where they could be who they wanted to be, a time when their
homosexual identity and desires could be more freely expressed. Alternating between
the two worlds required life management skills and an effort to cope with identity
conflicts. This study suggests that with a new awareness about the sexual diversity of
MHMS, a better understanding and more acceptance of sexual diversity in medical
school students will take place