Foucault's Sophrosyne: A qualitative analysis of self-identity creation through the coming out process of same-sex attracted men of Chinese ethnicity in Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

© Universiti Putra Malaysia Press. The Foucauldian conceptualisation of sophrosyne as moderation, self-mastery, control and freedom is deepened to gain deeper nuance of the coming-out process of same-sex attracted men in Penang, Malaysia who are of ethnic Chinese descent. The deepening of the concepts focussed on moderation, balance, structure, self-realisation, individuality and personal growth in the coming-out process of the respondents. Qualitative in nature, this research is based on a sample of 15 men who identify as same-sex attracted who were interviewed in-depth on the subject of their experience of coming out as same-sex attracted. The data suggest that similarities exist between sophrosyne and the coming-out process as described by Western scholars. However, due to conservative Asian values, sophrosyne allows respondents to focus more on the personalised and individualised experience of coming out that does not necessarily reflect major Western models.