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Young children, gender and the heterosexual matrix.
- Source :
-
Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education . Apr2017, Vol. 38 Issue 2, p277-291. 15p. - Publication Year :
- 2017
-
Abstract
- In this paper I consider the adult focus of current mainstream gender theory. I relate this to how the concept of the heterosexual matrix originates in a social contract which excludes children from civil society. I argue that this exclusion is problematic both for theoretical reasons and from the perspective of children themselves. I start by discussing the nature of the heterosexual matrix and its foundations. I consider the implications for participation which arise from being named as a child, how that affects children's attempts to claim participation in civil society, and how this is related to children's naming of themselves as gendered. I then briefly consider the possibility that, because of their exclusion, children might also be considered to be exempt from the heterosexual matrix. However, I argue, there is considerable evidence that children are actively sexual beings who also work hard to claim inclusion in local practices of heterosexuality. I end by suggesting that there are three key reasons for this: that the discourses of normative sexuality provide children with a language to express sexual feelings; that self-insertion in the heterosexual matrix is a way for children to claim rights to participation; and that taking up heterosexual formations is a means whereby children can experience the power of naming themselves as part of the social world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *SOCIAL contract
*POLITICAL science
*GENDER
*CHILDREN
*HETEROSEXUALITY
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01596306
- Volume :
- 38
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 121774508
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/01596306.2015.1105785