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(Re)Fractioning Singularity

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Critical Concepts in Queer Studies and Education

Part of the book series: Queer Studies and Education ((QSTED))

Abstract

Attempts to move away from viewing queer college students’ identities in a singular fashion (e.g., sexual orientation) necessitates analytical, theoretical, and conceptual tools to understand the dynamic, multifaceted features of identities. The authors propose the queered metaphor of (re)fractioning singularity as a broad category of theoretical approaches which includes, but is not limited to, Intersectionality, Model of Multiple Dimensions of Identity, and Borderlands Theory. In this chapter, the authors encourage queer studies scholars in higher education to deviate from normalized conceptualizations of identity and to (re)fract singular notions of identity. They urge thoughtful consideration about the applicability of each of these perspectives, encouraging scholars to read the primary texts, consider the epistemological and ontological assumptions made, and to determine the applicability to one’s research or praxis context.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA

    Erich N. Pitcher, Scotty M. Secrist & Trace P. Camacho

Authors
  1. Erich N. Pitcher
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  2. Scotty M. Secrist
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  3. Trace P. Camacho
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, New Jersey, USA

    Nelson M. Rodriguez

  2. Critical Policy, Equity, and Leadership Studies, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada

    Wayne J. Martino

  3. Critical Policy, Equity, and Leadership Studies, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada

    Jennifer C. Ingrey

  4. Department of Teaching and Curriculum, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA

    Edward Brockenbrough

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© 2016 The Author(s)

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Pitcher, E.N., Secrist, S.M., Camacho, T.P. (2016). (Re)Fractioning Singularity. In: Rodriguez, N., Martino, W., Ingrey, J., Brockenbrough, E. (eds) Critical Concepts in Queer Studies and Education. Queer Studies and Education. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-55425-3_32

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-55425-3_32

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, New York

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-55424-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-55425-3

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

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