GENDER DIMENSIONS OF THE MODERNITY: GENDER DIVERSITY

Abstract

The article presents the results of theoretical analysis in the context of gender issues. In particular, the concept of gender identity of a person and his/her peculiarities is defined. The link between the biological components of identity (referred to as «sex») and the socio-psychological (referred to as «gender») is also disclosed.
The theoretical analysis made it possible to give examples in the history of mankind, which describe the inconsistency between the biological sex and the person’s own feelings. Such examples are found in the research of modern anthropologists and those of the past. In particular, the phenomenon of belonging to the so-called “third sex” is described: Hijra-men in Indian culture, which combine women’s and men’s social roles and are considered sacred.
It is noted that the social sciences describe examples (which, in fact, have a significant “historical” age and wide geographical spread) of the existence of different gender identities.
The phenomenon of human attribution to a certain biological sex is characterized and its main parameters are defined: chromosomal (genetic) sex (XX – female; XY – male); gonad (sex glands: eggs in women; testes (testes) in men); hormonal sex (related to the action of sex hormones (gonadosteroids): for men – androgens; for women – estrogen and progesterone); internal genitalia; external genitals.
The phenomena of difficulties in determining the biological sex of a person are described. In particular, the phenomena of hermaphroditism and intersexuality are highlighted.
The limitations of the binary gender system and attempts to go beyond it at the scientific and everyday levels of society are analyzed. The types of gender identity that a person can be identified with are described among the most notable are such as transgender, genderqueer, bigender, androgyny and others. Thus, the mismatch between the biological sex and the way a person feels (gender identity) is referred to as the generic term transgender. Some transgender people refer to the opposite sex or go beyond binary. It is emphasized that for some people the transgender is their identity. However, this term can be used as a generic term that includes other components.
Thus, transgenders can include “genderqueere”, “bigender”, “agender” and others. It is determined that if a person’s gender identity coincides with his or her biological sex, then such people are referred to as cisgender.
Genderqueere is a gender identity that goes beyond the female-male binary system. Generalizes various variants of gender identity, including: bigender, androgynous, intergender. This term refers to all cases of atypical gender identity.
Genderqueeres may be asked to use gender-neutral pronouns; for example, use the word “zie” (“they”) instead of “he”, “she”; or “hir” instead of “his”, “her”. Thus, we see the impact of gender movement on language and speech, which is manifested in the formation of new words and concepts.
It is noted that in modern society there is a tendency towards variability of definitions of gender identity and extension of terminology, depending on how representatives of gender pluralism perceive / do not accept the proposed terminological system.
It is determined that the main problem of the binary system that operates with the concepts of “masculinity-femininity” is the limitation of man in his manifestations, the creation of social frameworks that force a person to be a “real man” / “real woman”. Such a framework, of course, limits freedom of expression. That is why the mechanism of counteracting the existing boundaries, manifested in the formation of gender diversity, is launched.
Moreover, there are a lot of examples that show individuals’ desire to move to a different level of identity and self-recognition. That is why gender diversity is a phenomenon that will be actively explored in the coming decades. However, it should be remembered that attempts to move beyond the attributed gender stereotypes have already taken place. Thus, we see the need for future scientific research that should take into account the discoveries that have been made (and will be) made in other humanities.