Final answer:
Queer Theory is an interdisciplinary approach that critically examines society's traditional views on gender and sexuality, advocating for a fluid and inclusive understanding of sexual identities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study of society from a perspective that encompasses a wide range of sexual identities and challenges traditional concepts of gender and sexuality is known as Queer Theory. This interdisciplinary field critically examines the categorical divisions of gender into male and female roles and explores the complexities of sexual orientation beyond the heteronormative binary. According to Jagose (1996), Queer Theory highlights the mismatches between anatomical sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation, advocating for a more nuanced understanding that allows for fluidity, change, and negotiation. By embracing the term 'queer', scholars in this discipline aim to counteract the stigmatizing effects of labels and promote a broader and more inclusive view of sexuality.
Queer Theory also engages with other forms of societal oppression, such as those based on race and gender, and seeks to challenge oppressive structures through critical analysis. Additionally, it opens the door to scholarly understanding that rejects the traditional binary views of gender, advocating for a continuum of multiple identities.