The shape of selves to come : selfhood without sexual difference

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paper

Abstract

![CDATA[What can the historical persistence of gender tell us about possibilities for future selfhood not defined by gender? Is a more purposive way of being possible that is not reliant on the restrictions of binary sex/gender and if so, how? This paper continues work that proposes that a particular dominant mode of thought (or ethos) about the self and others maintains compulsory sex/gender. This is an ethos of oppositional difference and closure. I extend this theoretical work here to the practical consideration of what a post-gender and queer mode of thought and being, not premised on difference and closure, might look like. Drawing on a combination of Simone de Beauvoir’s existentialist ethics and Judith Butler’s ontological and normative impulses, I propose that a non-oppositional, non-gendered alternative mode of thought and being is ontologically possible or potential (although not inevitable). I sketch the ontological justification for this, and then move on to more practical implications for social life. This considers what this ontological picture means practically for attempting to re-form identity or selfhood according to more reciprocal and open-ended ethos. I argue that it would entail a particular ‘queer’ subjective mindset, an inexhaustibly reciprocal approach to relationships and the identity of others and sexuality, and enabling social contexts that foster these. I demonstrate how some of these are already apparent in certain queer social practices. I consider how such social practices may ensure efficacy in their intended aim of fostering more intentionalality in the collective project of selfhood and evade closure or imposition of identity.]]
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFacing an Unequal World: Challenges for Global Sociology: Book of Abstracts: XVIII ISA World Congress of Sociology, 13-19 July 2014, Pacifico Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan
PublisherInternational Sociological Association
Pages698-699
Number of pages2
Publication statusPublished - 2014
EventWorld Congress of Sociology -
Duration: 1 Jan 2014 → …

Conference

ConferenceWorld Congress of Sociology
Period1/01/14 → …

Keywords

  • sex differences
  • gender identity
  • queer theory

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