Doctoral Dissertation. This research explores the unique recovery experiences of gay and lesbian individuals within the 12-step framework of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Rather than viewing AA strictly through a medical lens, the study analyzes it as a new social movement that provides a vital community for marginalized groups.
The study focuses on three key pillars:
Social Support: How specialized ‘gay and lesbian’ AA groups provide a sense of belonging and safety that counters the stigma of the era.
Spirituality: How queer members reconcile or redefine spiritual concepts within the program, often distinct from traditional religious affiliations.
Voluntarism: The role of service and community involvement in maintaining long-term sobriety and fostering a collective identity.
The work is noted for its early use of interpretivism and depth interviews to highlight how the ‘inner life’ of recovery is shaped by sexual and gender identity.
Details
| ISBN: |
| Subtitle: A Study of Social Support, Spirituality, and Voluntarism Among Gay and Lesbian Members of Alcoholics Anonymous |
| Genre: Religion & Spirituality; Health |
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| Publication Date: 1990 |
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| Publisher: University of California Press |
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| Pages: 522 |
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| Book_ID: 105656 |