107 - Thematic Session. Queer Theory (co-sponsored with the Caucus on Transnational Approaches to Gender and Sexuality)

Session Submission Type: Invited Session

Abstract

This panel explores the ways in which queer theory has been taken up by sociologists in the study of sexuality. While sociologists have been quick to incorporate insights about the normative and non-normative alignments of sex, gender, and sexuality from queer theory into their work, we still seem reluctant to seriously engage other aspects of the queer theoretical framework such as the discursive nature of power and its relationship to identity and social subjectivity. At the same time, sociologists of sexuality and gender have challenged queer theory for its inattention to materiality and its silences about race, ethnicity, and transnational processes. The panelists will discuss the ways they have actually utilized queer theory in their work and how it nourishes as well as limits their understandings of sexuality, anatomical sex, social gender, and other axes of difference.

Sub Unit

• Thematic Sessions

Session Organizer

• Stephen Valocchi, Trinity College

Presider

• Stephen Valocchi, Trinity College

Panelists

• Roderick A. Ferguson, University of Minnesota

• Evren Savci, San Francisco State University

• Jyoti Puri, Simmons College

• Dawne Moon, Marquette University