Contemporary approaches to sex categorization: a pragmatic defense of the binary model
Date
2021
Authors
Thompson, Michaela Erica
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Philosophy
Abstract
There is significant controversy today about the nature of gender and the implications of the views we might take on the subject for trans and non-binary people in both public and academic discourse, including whether gender ought to be conceptualized as distinct from biological sex. Further, the way in which sex categories are conceptualized has important practical implications for how individuals with Disorders of Sexual Development (DSDs) are treated. The model of two diametrically opposed sex categories is increasingly challenged by theorists who are largely motivated by concerns around the treatment of individuals with DSDs. But the alternative models are also problematic. Examining challenges to the binary sex model this thesis argues in favour of a pragmatic approach to sex categorization and holds that a revised binary model may in fact be well aligned with the goals and recommendations of activists and theorists regarding the treatment of DSDs.
Description
Keywords
sex categorization , binary sex model , nature of gender , Disorders of Sexual Development , sex and gender , Gender expression , Gender identity , Identity (Psychology) , Gender nonconformity , Categorization (Psychology) , Sex , Intersex people--Identity , Sex (Biology) , Intersexuality , Dissertations, Academic