LGBTQ Studies and Interdisciplinarity: A Citation Analysis of Master's Theses

Abstract

Emergent programs or newly established areas of study are often viewed as interdisciplinary.But how is interdisciplinarity defined or measured? The identification of research methods and the selection of objects of inquiry are significant elements in this definition. Citation analysis, however, also plays a role. Citation patterns in master's theses written at Concordia University in the field of LGBTQ studies at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, indicate, at first glance, that the field is highly interdisciplinary. The field cites from different disciplines or areas of study as defined by the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system. A closer examination reveals that 43.3 percent of all classified citations are about LGBTQ topics, leading to the conclusion that LGBTQ studies shows an average, rather than a high, level of interdisciplinarity, and that the field has a distinct disciplinary focus. This finding informs reference work, research assistance, and bibliographic instruction.

Academic LGBTQ+ Terminology 1900-2021: Increasing Variety, Increasing Inclusivity?

“…Whilst activist literature was sometimes cited, most citations targeted academic publications, were very interdisciplinary, and particularly drew upon medical papers. Within the field of LGBTQ+ studies, researchers drew upon a wide variety of disciplines but about half of it was about LGBTQ+ issues, at least as evidenced in the references in MSc dissertations at one Canadian university (Graziano, 2018). From a different perspective, a citation analysis of political science research showed that queer theory is marginal overall, with Judith Butler's work being the most influential (Smith & Lee, 2015).…”