Ian Sinclair

My thesis, On Being Equally Different, concerns the theoretical relations between the concepts of 'equality' and 'difference'. I critically examine the 'politics of difference' and 'diversity politics', both of which treat 'difference' and/or 'diversity' as a principal normative value; over other values, such as equality. Theorists within these traditions have offered a critique of equality for undermining difference by predetermining the criterion by which social groups are admitted within an egalitarian ideal. Whilst taking this critique seriously, defending difference or diversity for their own sake is problematic, if not self-defeating. I argue that a revised conception of equality is needed to do sufficient justice to difference and diversity, and must precede them as an ethical commitment.

In addition to my thesis, I am interested in the history of gay & lesbian studies and queer theory; sex and sexuality; and post-Marxist politics.