'Akin to marriage': sexual citizenship, heterosexism and immigration in the UK

Simmons, T., 2003. 'Akin to marriage': sexual citizenship, heterosexism and immigration in the UK. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

This thesis aims to understand the ways in which particular categories of sexual citizenship are constructed through immigration discourses and practices both in the UK and in European migratory spaces. The thesis examines the exclusion of sexual citizens and its implications for the lived experiences of these categories.

The thesis sets out how sexual citizenship literature provides a pertinent theoretical framework to investigate the significance of immigration policy and practices for sexual citizens. It argues that the relationship between immigration and sexual citizenship has not been fully explored. Conversely, work on migration, particularly in the under researched area of family reunion, has not always fully explored sexual identities within its theorisation of the family. This thesis draws on a number of sociological and cultural perspectives that highlight the diversity of family practices, which are unrecognised by family reunion policies, drawing these strands together to address the conceptual gaps in these literatures.

My methodology aims to analyse and differentiate the particular discourses that shaped the development of the unmarried partners rule. Firstly, the relevant legislation, which includes parliamentary debates, Home Office documents and immigration instructions, is studied through critical discourse analysis. Secondly, I apply theoretical perspectives from Critical Legal Studies, to 'Official' legal discourse. This includes an examination of legal practice, such as the arguments and strategies used by legal professionals in appeal cases. This analysis extends to rights discourses that utilise European legal instruments and applies relevant case law to critically assess postnational and transnational perspectives. Thirdly, I examine fourteen interviews, conducted with same-sex migrant couples, which give accounts of the experiences and processes that affect couples entering under this provision.

Item Type:	Thesis
Creators:	Simmons, T.
Date:	2003
ISBN:	9781369316384
Identifiers:	Number Type PQ10183437 Other
Divisions:	Schools > School of Arts and Humanities
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	28 Sep 2020 14:49
Last Modified:	07 Sep 2023 10:17
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/40992

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