Parenting Council Research Clearinghouse: Library "Q"
Queer Subjects of Suicide: Cultural Studies, Sexuality and Youth Suicide Concepts in New Zealand
Author:
Rob Cover
Date:
2005
Published by:
New Zealand Sociology Journal 2005 Volume 20 Number 1
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
This paper undertakes a brief examination of current trends in New Zealand youth suicide research and policy, arguing that the extent to which youth sexuality is addressed is comparatively limited. Although lesbian/gay/bisexual sexualities, concerns and identities are relatively absent, it is important not merely to add minority sexualities to suicide concepts in New Zealand research and policy development; rather these are well-placed to take on-board highly-nuanced understandings of sexuality that (a) draw on culturalist, queer theory and postmodern/poststructuralist approaches, and (b) are more in line with a culture of sexual fluidity among contemporary youth. Personal and identity-related anxieties around such a sexual culture, it is argued, may be among risk factors for youth suicide. By showing how youth sexuality is either marginalised or mis-read by policy-makers and researchers, some early indicators of directions suicide research might take with regard to sexuality are asserted here.
