Queer Studies

Queer studies analyses sexuality and gender as historically constructed and questions normative categories of identity, especially heteronormativity.

Scope

It covers the history of sexuality, queer theory, heteronormativity, and the deconstruction of identity categories.

Core questions

• How are sexual identities historically constructed?
• What is heteronormativity and how does it operate?
• How do binary categories of gender and sexuality structure knowledge?
• How can identity categories be queered?

Key concepts

• Heteronormativity
• Queer theory
• Performativity
• The closet
• Social construction of sexuality
• Identity critique

Key theories

The history of sexuality

Foucault argued sexuality is produced by discourse and power, not a timeless essence.

Performativity and the closet

Butler's performativity and Sedgwick's analysis of the closet founded queer theory.

History

Queer studies emerged around 1990 from Foucault's history of sexuality and the work of Butler and Sedgwick, challenging fixed categories of gender and sexuality.

Debates

Identity politics versus anti-identitarian critique

Whether to affirm LGBTQ identities or to deconstruct identity categories altogether.

Key figures

• Michel Foucault
• Judith Butler
• Eve Sedgwick

Seminal works

• foucault-1976
• butler-1990
• sedgwick-1990

Frequently asked questions

What is heteronormativity?

The assumption and institutional privileging of heterosexuality as the normal or default sexual orientation.