Queer Theory

            In Literary Criticism, Bressler explains that Queer theory utilizes methodologies from feminism, gender studies, psychoanalysis, and deconstruction.  Bressler highlights Millet’s argument that while sex is biologically defined, gender is defined by society often based upon sex.  However, Millet disputes society’s definition of gender.  She argues that gender is not biological rather it is formed and shaped by society.  However, society should not construct a person’s gender identity.  This argument goes against the common concept of essentialism which proclaims that a person’s identity is a stable, unchanging thing which is not influenced by society or education. 

            Feminists recognize social constructivism and argue that gender as a term and terms associated with it are social constructions which change.  They argue that these terms must be deconstructed and reconstructed since a person’s identity is subjective.  At the same time, words associated with gender do not represent stable concepts just as culture and society are not stable.  These words derive meaning from how language is used and created.

            According to Bressler, Queer theory does not concentrate as much on a gender dialogue.  Instead, it sees the topic as “pointless” to differentiate what it means to be male or female since these things are merely social constructions.  Instead, Queer theorists are more concerned with sexual issues that are deemed strange or abnormal, and argue that no person or group “can be defined as abnormal.”