Thinking through sexuality

Hicks, S

Abstract

Summary: This article is a discussion piece on the idea of ‘sexuality’
within social work. The author discusses dominant models of sexuality –
including those within anti-discriminatory practice theory – before going
on to raise a number of problems with this perspective. The article draws
upon queer, feminist and Foucaultian theories to suggest less restrictive
ways of thinking through sexuality and social work.
• Findings: Social work has a tendency to define ‘sexuality’ as an essential
identity with a fixed set of characteristics and social welfare ‘needs’. This
article argues for a reflexive account of sexuality within social work, and
for the investigation of the production and use of sexuality categories
within everyday professional settings.
• Applications: The author discusses the assessment of sexuality in cases of
foster care or adoption applications by lesbians or gay men in order to
highlight the practical application of these ideas. The article discusses
why new ways of thinking through sexuality may be productive for social
work.

Citation

Hicks, S. (2008). Thinking through sexuality. Journal of Social Work, 8(1), 65-82. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468017307084740

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2008
• Deposit Date: Nov 3, 2009
• Journal: Journal of Social Work
• Print ISSN: 1468-0173
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 65-82
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1468017307084740
• Keywords: anti-discriminatory practice/discourse/queer theory/sexuality/social work
• Publisher URL: http://jsw.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/8/1/65