Quote (Odesseiron @ Sep 19 2022 06:01am)
So, I have a degrees in biology and psychology (yeah, I didn't know what I was doing either lol), so maybe I can help here.
First and foremost, we must understand the difference between a word, and a term. A term is an idea that is well defined by the scientific community that governs it and is not open to interpretation. For instance, the term "sex" refers only to reproductive function and chromosomal configuration.
A word is an idea that is less well defined, usually has multiple meanings, and can have it's meaning changed by context. In this case, the word "sex" can mean intercourse, homosexual relations, gender, can be an adjective, and so on.
The word and term for gender are often used interchangeably and argued over needlessly.
As far as I can tell, there really isn't a term for Gender that is particularly useful biologically speaking, as we already have Terms that define well what gender seeks to (biologically speaking). But the word gender is useful in helping to define a single facet of our most complex societal structure, identity.
At it's core, human identity is largely created via "in-groups" and "out-groups." You either are, or you are not "something." I am a male, I am a scientist, I am a gamer, etc. We use these ideas of what we are, and what we are not to develope a sense of self, and because of this, we feel very strongly towards those things we identify as, or as not.
Violations of our identity are often deeply troubling. If you are a Man, and I were to call you a Woman, or attribute to you things society associates with women, you will probably get offended, even if there is no logical reason too.
This is something that must be understood by everyone when regarding gender roles. Both that someone who identifies as a gender asynchronous from their sex is having their identify violated when refeted as something else, and those who must accommodate their identity is too, having their own identity construct violated. It is an identity that both parties should be expected to struggle with, and DEVELOPE with.
That is were I leave this discussion. Both parties are understandably having their identity violated, and both parties must grow and develope their identity along with the changes in societal expectations, because both your identity and societital expectations will continue to develope weather you want it to or not.
that's an unusually nuanced take and write-up in a place like this. the only thing I'd disagree with is the notion that it's a double-edged attack on identity. those of us who identify with biological sex, are by and large unaffected by those who don't. being expected to adhere to uncontroversial societal norms of acceptance, respect and inclusion can hardly be considered an attack on one's own identity.
now, the large majority of the population in (what could be considered) western society would agree with that. evidently, transphobia and homophobia is still a thing. but those views are by all definitions fringe views, and that's important to note, especially in places like these where the contrary would appear to be the case.