Graduation Year
2007
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
M.A.
Degree Granting Department
Sociology
Major Professor
Laurel Graham, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Sara Crawley, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Chris Ponticelli, Ph.D.
Keywords
Identity, Queer theory, Genderqueer, Consumer culture, Gender, Self fashion, Interaction, Internet research, On-line community, Shopping
Abstract
The relatively new field of Queer Theory creates ways of thinking about people living without binary gender, but does not provide for a research model with which to give context to the material struggles of such people. Through the use of Internet discussion groups, the current research project attempts to examine the challenges that people who identify with the concept "genderqueer" describe facing as they fashion selves in social interactions; a process which inevitably requires consumer goods that typically only allow for heteronormative binary gender. Findings suggest that there are similarities in how respondents came to identify with "genderqueer," but such similarities are less present in how they understand and apply the concept to themselves. This study shows a potential conflict arising between academic Queer Theory, which seeks to deconstruct identity categories, and a more popular use of "genderqueer" claimed as an identity by some respondents. In conclusion this thesis examines possibilities for activism and marketing that may come out of "genderqueer" as a widely recognizable identity category.
Scholar Commons Citation
Alegria, Sharla N., "Queer Identity? Discussing Identity and Appearance in an On-line “Genderqueer” Community" (2007). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/596
