Are we all in the closet? Notes towards a sociological and cultural turn in queer theory

Abstract

Queer theory has radicalized lesbian and gay studies by viewing the homosexual subject as performative, by insisting upon analyzing homosexuality in relation to heterosexuality, and by linking gay studies to the study of sexualities. It is, in short, a generalizing theoretical perspective. Yet, this paper argues that queer theory has been limited by its reliance on psychoanalytical theory and a narrow linguistic poststructural language of social analysis. The case for a sociological and cultural turn in queer theory is sketched in the context of a discussion of the 'closet' in lesbian and gay culture and literature.

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