Queer identities reinforce gender distinctions Flashcards
What does queer mean
Historically the word queer was used to denote that someones gender, gender expression or sexuality did not conform to that of heteronormativity in the fact they were homo/bisexual.
Today the term queer still is used as an epithet to denote that someone isn’t heterosexual, but the term has grown to encompass many other gender identities including intersex and transgender.
What does Jeffrey’s argue about the desire for gender?
The desire for gender often felt as visceral excitement is a crucial part of heterosexuality as a political institution
Jeffrey’s also argues that gender is more than what?
An arbitrary and socially constructed classification system as it empowers heterosexuality through the sexuality of eroticised dominance and submission by maintaining the power of men over women by turning it into just sex
So ultimately what is Jeffrey’s arguing?
Gender is a vital force in constructing and maintaining heterosexuality as the scaffolding of male supremacy.
The desire for gender is not just about conforming and fitting in, but is an excitement felt as sexuality is a male supremacist culture has eroticised male dominance and female submissiveness.
Lesbian and Gay theorists compare gender to what?
They compare gender to costumes and argue that gender should be played with.
Raymond criticised the idea of what and why?
Androgyny because it’s not fair to reduce people to only masculine or feminine characteristics. This notion sees gender as too restrictive as masculine and feminine characteristics are timeless human qualities.
What does Delphy argue?
That masculine and feminine characteristics are not timeless universal human values, they represent the values of a male supremacist culture at a point in time.
Archetypical feminine behaviour is reproduced in what and represents what?
Reproduced typically in drag and transsexualism- learnt behaviour of the oppressed. Shows awareness of low status and suitable respect for powerful male class.
Archetypical male behaviour is also learnt, but what does it show, and how does it link to the question?
demonstrates dominance and maintains their place in the ruling class. Link to the question is lesbian role playing- butch/femme reinforces the typical gender distinctions.
Jeffrey’s argues what is eroticised to create male supremacy and what does she term it as?
masculine and feminine genders of dominance and sexuality are eroticised to create male supremacy- Jeffrey’s terms this as heterosexual desire
What is heterosexual desire?
Desire organised around eroticised dominance and submission- emerged from the political system of heterosexuality
Can lesbian and gays experience heterosexual desire?
Yes through the reproduction of gender roles -role playing or bdsm.
What is the opposite to heterosexual desire?
homosexual desire- based on sameness instead of difference of power, based on mutuality- more suited to a egalitarian future that feminists talk of.
Can homosexual desire be experienced by heterosexuals?
yes but a lot harder due to the structural power difference that regulates relations.
What does Jeffrey’s argue that heterosexual desire eroticises?
the objectification of women and provides motivation for sexual violence. It further helps to maintain male supremacy by limiting women’s opportunities through the threat and fear of sexual violence
