Social Work, Queer Theory and After: A Genealogy of Sexuality Theory in Neo-Liberal Times

Abstract

This article presents a genealogy of social work approaches to sexuality via critical examination of the relevance of queer and post-queer theory. The key tenets of queer theory are outlined before the authors go on to assess how social work has responded to this body of work. The authors offer some critical comments on social work's engagement with queer theory before moving on to discuss a range of post-queer developments, focused on race, empire, the neoliberal state, class, austerity, gender and anti -normativity.As social work has yet to engage with post-queer theory, the authors assess some of its key contributions and, finally, discuss their suggestions for ways in which this literature might offer opportunities for the reinvigoration of research, theory and practice in the contemporary field of social work and sexuality.

Heteronormativity Prevails: A Study of Sexuality in Norwegian Social Work Bachelor Programs

“…The fact that the articles by sexuality experts address heteronormativity can be understood as a reflection of the relatively strong position of queer theories-and critical perspectives in general-in social science research on sexuality. This contrasts with academic social work in general, and Norwegian academic social work, where sexuality is seldom addressed and mainstream social work texts do not mention queer theory (Giertsen, 2016;Hicks & Jeyasingham, 2016).…”

“…Most analyses of sexuality from a critical perspective (employing feminist, poststructural, and queer theories) have been conducted in social work since the mid-2000s (such as: Hicks, 2008;Hicks & Watson, 2003;Jeyasingham, 2008;McPhail, 2004;Morton, Jeyasingham, & Hicks, 2013;O'Brien, 1999). However, social work theory and research today seldom engages with queer theory, not even in texts discussing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues (Hicks & Jeyasingham, 2016).…”

Foster fathers performing gender: the negotiation and reproduction of parenting roles in families who foster

“…In this way Butler argues people perform gender by way of mimicking and repeating expected gender norms. Butler's work has been applied to social work in relation to power, accepted fluidity of gender and anti-discriminatory practice (Green & Featherstone, 2014;Hicks & Jeyasingham, 2016). Kelan has applied Butler's work to the malecentric information and communication technologies (ICT) industry to look at gender performances by women working in ICT and found they undo and enact gendered relations through flexible ways of understanding masculinity and femininity (Kelan, 2009(Kelan, , 2010.…”

Between the Academy and Queerness

“…Queer theory offered a valuable lens that social work might consider using more often. This theory, underused in social work, offers a critical and progressive lens in which to disrupt identity and more importantly the assumptions about what is central or foundational within the social work academy (Hicks & Jeyasingham, 2016). As Mule (2016) notes, "the ethos of queer liberation is linked to principles of the social work profession including personal agency" (p. 32).…”