ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces key feminist sociological debates in gender and sexualities, including the significance of the body, feminist movements, the study of men and masculinities, and the rise of queer theory and intersectional perspectives. Feminist sociologists have highlighted that sex and gender are distinct categories, rather than being ‘naturally’ or inherently linked. Classical sociology is recognised as having a ‘women problem’. The chapter provides an overview of some of the key feminist sociologists and their contribution to contemporary feminist scholarship. The study of men and masculinities is crucial in exploring the dynamics of privilege and inequality in contemporary gender relations. American feminist philosopher Judith Butler is considered a key contemporary ‘queer theorist’ and gender scholar. The media has long been considered a significant presence in individuals’ beliefs, practices, and expectations and this extends to gender. A concept used by social scientists to analyse the multiple interacting influences of race, culture, ethnicity, gender, class, age, and sexuality on life chances.
