“Becumming” oneself as one relates to others: An empirical phenomenological study about sexual identity work in menopause

Abstract

This empirical phenomenological study examines women’s sexual identity work in menopause. It shows that women’s self-understandings are at stake and take shape through a negotiation of dis/connectedness from/to others in sexual activities. Four negotiations are distinguished: (1) lessening with the other, (2) self-familiarizing (3) experimenting with others, and (4) giving oneself to the other. Herein, sexual identity work is revealed to be a precarious practice. In making sense of oneself, often through new sexual activities, women balance the tightrope of dis/connecting with others and norms, while facing the possibility that they may lose themselves and others in the process.