Summary of the Essay Not Yet Queer Enough The Lessons of Queer Theory for the Sociology of Gender and Sexuality by Stephen Valocchi
The queer theory seeks to demystify existing perspectives on sex, and gender issues in society. It presents a reaction to previous thoughts held by society especially in the era of diversified gender roles. The article Not Yet Queer Enough The Lessons of Queer Theory for the Sociology of Gender and Sexuality, written by Stephen Valocchi, seeks to illustrate how sociologists use queer theory to rethink gender and sexuality issues in order to solve conflicting perspectives. This theory can be used in many sociological directions in an effort to deal with sex, gender and sexuality issues. It also becomes clear that institutional powers have a stake in constructing identities.
The queer analysis uses a different way of understanding how sex, gender and sexuality are related. Different examples are used and all of them show that there is unity on matters gender and sexual categories in relation to sex, gender and sexuality. When the queer analysis is applied, there is a close examination of cultural critique of different belief systems which help in constructing a collective understanding and changes that are happening on society about matters gender and sexualitty. Social order and mutual acceptance of the different perspectives on these issues is not natural. Different perspectives overlap and people end up critiquing common ideas of identity.
According to Valocchi, a queer analysis crosses the border from homosexuality and covers issues related to heterosexuality and the relationship existing between gender and other aspects of social differences such as ethnicity, class and even race. This is a social reality that is a representation of the facts affecting gender relations. Surveys and interviews are conducted that help in reaching practical conclusions. Questions that arise here in clued among others, what is the true meaning of marriage in this era of same sex marriages? What are the different views of homosexual and heterosexual couples?
There are concepts that are used in this article which are themselves queer theoretical frameworks that can be used in the field. The queer concepts that are well illustrated in this research paper are a good way of researching sensitive matters such as gender and sexuality. Individuals get to give their first hand experiences, and this helps in solving the difficult issues represented in gender issues. Researchers can easily learn from ways that respect and honor sensitive matters of concern that needs to be discussed in order to solve them.
Reference
Valocchi, S. (2005). Not Yet Queer Enough The Lessons of Queer Theory for the Sociology of Gender and Sexuality. Gender and Society. Vol. 19, No. 6, pp. 750-770
