Abstract

Departing from the theoretical position that childhood is a construction of identity, this article examines queer theory about childhood, arguing that definitions of ‘queer theory’ and of ‘childhood’ affect each other specifically in complex ways. In relation to this, it is argued that even where ‘queer theory’ defines itself as the dismantling of foundational categories, childhood often escapes this dismantling inadvertently and unintentionally. The reasons for, and implications of, this are explored.