Sunnymarie Segura

Professor Koné

24SP-SJS-020-3879 - Introduction to Social Justice Studies

Due Date - 03 / 07/ 2024

What factors contributed to the societal problem of gender identity in individuals?

People have spent a lifetime trying to figure out who they really are. But what if the

identity to which they have devoted their whole life is not genuinely gendered? Because society

categorizes newborns as male or female from birth, gender identity is a challenging concept to

comprehend. Even before they can walk or talk, a person's gender identity has a significant

influence on how they live and grow as they mature. In order to understand why it is critical for

any generation to address gender identity in the modern world and prevent people from

becoming confused about who they really are in their lives, it helps to understand how gender

identity functions in society.

It can be challenging for babies to define who they are later in life because they are

socially assigned a male or female identity from birth. This relates to the child's assigned sex or

gender. John Money is a well-known academic whose work influenced our understanding of the

concept that would eventually be called gender (The MIT Press Reader, 2022). His work gave

rise to the concepts of baby sex-layers and the five useful but pragmatic tiers of sex classification

as the main determinants of gender identity. It is recognized that the primary five layers, “the X

and Y chromosomes, determine the first layer of chromosomal sex. Fetal gonadal sex, which

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corresponds to the existence of the testes or ovaries, is the second layer. Hormones secreted by

the gonads affect fetal hormonal sex, which is the third layer. This affects the development of the

fourth layer, internal reproductive sex, which includes different organs for males and females

and The fifth layer, which is shaped by hormones, determines the external genitalia.” (The MIT

Press Reader, 2022). Though adults can only see one of the five sex layers, when they are related

to a newborn, it is interesting to consider whether individuals are able to recognize every aspect

of their internal sex. During the 1950s, John Money encouraged changing children's genitalia to

conform to traditional gender norms and falsified data in order to escape consequences. This

outdated perspective is harmful and contradicts what is known about science today. Money's

definition of "gender" was rigid, even though it presented itself as progressive. Since then, there

has been progress in the definition and challenge of gender. Realizing that gender is a complex

and ever-evolving topic that arose in response to our understanding of human diversity is vital.

A person's gender in their identity has a big influence on their life from birth, regardless

of when they learn to walk, talk, or interact with other people in society. There are several stages

that children go through as they develop their gender identity. Girls and boys have different

physical characteristics, which they can distinguish as early as age two. Most kids can identify as

boys or girls by the time they are three years old. Finally, most children have a firm grasp of

their own gender by the time they are four years old. (Gender Identity Development in Children,

n.d.). Though this is not always the case, most kids identify with the gender that they are

assigned. During this time, children may also research gender roles and transgender preferences

(Gender Identity Development in Children, n.d.). It is acceptable to investigate in this manner;

ultimately, one does not identify their gender. Although the people in a child's environment and

societal norms may have an impact on their behavior, it is crucial to understand that a child's

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internal sense of gender cannot be altered. The belief that "what boys do" and "what girls do" in

a particular activity is outdated and detrimental to the growth of both children and adults (Gender

Identity Development in Children, n.d.). Even though each person has special talents that may

not match expectations, these qualities are what will help them advance. Gender development is

a normal process that needs to happen for all children to grow up to be happy adults.

People of all generations are socialized to become their true selves in the modern world

by means of this process of managing their gender identity in day-to-day life. Some people

experience a disconnect between their gender identity and their biological sex, leading to a

mismatch between their internal perception of being male or female and their physical

characteristics at birth. People who do not fit into the stereotypical gender roles can express their

individuality by identifying as "agender," "gender diverse," "gender non-conforming," or "non-

binary" (Website, 2023). Living a life consistent with one's gender identity, which may entail

changing one's behavior and appearance, is a common goal among many individuals suffering

from gender dysphoria. Some individuals use hormone therapy or surgery to express their gender

identity (Website, 2023). Individuals who suffer from gender dysphoria might display awkward

actions, physical changes, or altered interests. In addition, they might show a lack of concern for

their own needs, low self-esteem, social disengagement, anxiety, depression, or risky behavior.

For instance, children who begin to express interest in toys or clothes of the opposite gender and

who feel dissatisfied with their physical sex characteristics are in normal developmental stages

that do not necessarily signify gender dysphoria (Website, 2023). While the majority of people

get over these emotions, some might feel more distressed than others, particularly when they

approach puberty. Some people may want to make changes as they get older because they may

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feel that their gender identity and physical appearance do not match. Following a gender

dysphoria diagnosis, the patient and the GDC team will develop a treatment plan (Website,

2023). The patient's general practitioner may recommend alternate forms of support if gender

dysphoria is not diagnosed. The goal of treatment options is to bring about relief; these might

include medical interventions, affirmation, or acceptance. The cause of gender dysphoria is

uncertain, and it is important to note that it is separate from sexual orientation. Gender dysphoria

can lead to mental health issues and impact daily life.

Throughout their lives, individuals have dedicated considerable time and effort to

unraveling the complexities of their true selves. The societal practice of labeling newborns as

either male or female at birth makes it more difficult to understand gender identity. It is critical

to acknowledge that gender is a dynamic and complex subject that has evolved in response to our

growing understanding of human diversity. Children go through several stages in the

development of their gender identity, even before they can walk or talk. As a person progresses

through life stages, their gender identity has a significant impact on these experiences and

development. Living a life consistent with their gender identity, which may entail changing one's

behavior and appearance, is a common goal among many people who suffer from gender

dysphoria. Recognizing the significance of addressing gender identity in modern society and

preventing people from struggling with uncertainty about their true selves depends on an

understanding of the mechanisms through which gender identity functions in life.

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 Reference page

Gender identity development in children. (2022). HealthyChildren.org.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/Pages/Gender-Identity-

and-Gender-Confusion-In-Children.aspx

Website, N. (2023, May 18). Gender dysphoria. nhs.uk.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/#:~:text=For%20example%2C

%20some%20people%20may,having%20a%20%22binary%22%20identity.

The MIT Press Reader. (2022, June 29). Gender has a history and it’s more recent than

you may realize. https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/gender-has-a-history-and-its-more-

recent-than-you-may-realize/