A Queer Eye on the Straight Classroom – Norm-critical pedagogy on the basis of Cunningham’s The Hours.

Abstract

Sammanfattning:

The aim of this study is to illustrate and problematise how the heteronorm is Othering queer people and how norm-critical pedagogy, in this case based on literary analysis of Cunningham’s novel The Hours, can be used to counter-act homophobic tendencies in school. The study is conducted from a queer-theoretical perspective, largely through discourse analysis. The study focuses on heteronormativity, gender performativity, tolerance pedagogy, identity and providing alternate life-narratives to the heteronorm, all based on our analysis of The Hours. The study then provides a set of suggested didactic tools for working with norm-critical pedagogy in the subject of English as a secondary language. Norm-critical pedagogy, it is suggested, is a crucial tool in order to meet the demands of the fundamental values of the Swedish curriculum, which states that no one should be subjected to discrimination due to their sexual orientation or otherwise, and that the task of the school is to encourage all pupils to discover their own uniqueness as individuals.

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