Heterocentrism
Heterocentrism – a framework of perception in which an individual automatically assumes that all the people around them are heterosexual. Statistically, such an assumption may often prove correct, but in some cases it is false.
Heterocentrism shapes corresponding patterns of social interaction and interpersonal communication. For example, when a man says that he is going on a date, he may be asked questions such as, “What is her name?” or “Is she attractive?”, thereby implicitly assuming that the relationship is heterosexual.
Heterocentric assumptions and behavior usually operate at an unconscious or unreflective level. It is important to note that heterocentrism may also be present among people with non-heterosexual sexual orientations.
See also: Heteronormativity, Heterosexism, Sexual Orientation.
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