ERIC Number: EJ777701
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Oct
Pages: 13
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1356-2517
EISSN: N/A
The De-Representation of Science and Queer Science Students in Higher Education within the Queer/Gay Discourse
Toynton, Robert
Teaching in Higher Education, v12 n5-6 p593-605 Oct 2007
A group of science students self-identifying as gay or queer have only talked of their sexuality and gender feelings, and their experiences within higher education, on the completion of their studies. The reasons for their alienation from, and further marginalisation by the queer discourse are discussed. These include the stereotyping of gay sensibility, anti-science prejudice, classism and fundamentalist constructivism. An argument is made for the reintegration of science within the gay/queer discourse, particularly in light of recent work which "queers" natural history, since the valuing of science within the discourse would both allow and encourage the visibility of queer science students, making the science class and laboratory safer spaces. Throughout, reference is made to the marginalisation and emotional labour involved in negotiating invisibility which impedes both learning and the recognition of learning, and which would be challenged by the recognition of the value of science within the discourse.
Descriptors: Constructivism (Learning), Higher Education, Homosexuality, Science Instruction, Gender Issues, College Students, Student Experience, Stereotypes, Social Attitudes, Social Bias, Social Class, Social Cognition, Educational Environment, Consciousness Raising
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A