R E V I E W : : C O N S O R T I U M: Gender vs. Sex

Sex: Refers to the biological characteristics associated with reproduction, such as chromosomal, hormonal, and anatomical differences. Traditionally, it is categorized into two distinct categories: male and female; however, the understanding of sex is more nuanced, as intersex conditions illustrate that biological characteristics can exist on a continuum rather than in a strict binary.
Gender: A complex interplay of identity, expression, and social roles that is not confined to biological classification. Gender encompasses how individuals perceive themselves (gender identity), how they present that identity (gender expression), and how society categorizes them based on a set of social expectations. This construct is subject to cultural, historical, and personal influences, showcasing its fluid nature.
Further Clarity: The concept of gender is fluid and intersects with various societal factors, including culture, politics, and personal experiences. The distinction between sex and gender has been widely discussed in feminist and queer theory, promoting more inclusive understandings of identity.

Concept Overview: Judith Butler argues that gender is not an innate quality but rather a set of behaviors and actions that individuals enact over time, suggesting that these performances constitute what we understand as gender identity.
Definition: Butler describes gender performativity as "the stylized repetition of acts through time," indicating that these performances are not isolated incidents but ongoing actions that solidify identity.
Common Misconceptions: It is crucial to differentiate gender performance from theatrical performance; gender is not merely a role one plays, but the cumulative effect of lived experiences and societal engagement that shapes one's identity. This perspective challenges the notion of a pre-existing gender, framing identity as a dynamic process.

Examples: Performative speech acts illustrate Butler's points:
- Saying "guilty" in a courtroom setting activates a legal consequence, altering the social and personal status of the accused.
- Exchanging vows by stating "I do" in a wedding not only confirms intentions but also fundamentally alters the parties' legal and social standing, constituting their marital identity.
Butler’s assertion is that gender identity emerges from these repeated performances of speech and actions within society rather than just reflecting an internal essence or feeling.

Enforcement of Gender Norms: From birth, individuals are often assigned a gender label which dictates expectations for behavior typically associated with that gender. This socialization process shapes how one responds to and enacts their own gender identity.
Simone de Beauvoir's Contribution: Beauvoir’s exploration of how societal expectations differ for males and females supports Butler’s argument, underscoring that gender roles are established through societal constructs rather than biological determinism.
Butler also highlights that while physical differences exist, their societal significance can vary widely, leading to different lived experiences and the reinforcement of certain gender behaviors.

Butler's framework allows for the recognition of non-binary and emerging gender identities, especially those arising in contemporary contexts, such as online communities and activism.
By asserting that individuals are not "doing gender wrong," Butler emphasizes the validity of diverse experiences and expressions of gender identity, advocating for a broader understanding of self-expression.

Two Major Theories:
1. Gender Essentialism: This theory posits that gender is primarily rooted in biological factors, such as chromosomes and reproductive anatomy, suggesting a clear binary based on sex.
2. Social Constructivism: This perspective argues that gender is a product of social constructs and cultural norms rather than biological determinism, highlighting how societal expectations shape individuals’ understanding and expression of gender.
Julia Serano’s Critique: Serano presents a nuanced critique, arguing that neither essentialism nor constructivism fully captures the complexity of gender. She highlights the role of personal feelings, subconscious elements, and lived experiences that shape individual gender identity.

Understanding Subconscious Sex: Serano introduces the concept of subconscious sex, which pertains to how individuals perceive their own gender identity internally. This disconnect can lead to feelings of gender dissonance, particularly in transgender individuals.
Cis Identity Alignment: In contrast, cisgender individuals generally experience harmony between their gender identity and physical characteristics as assigned at birth. This alignment often leads to societal acceptance, while deviations may be met with resistance or misunderstanding.
Intrinsic Inclination Model: This model argues that gender identity includes innate inclinations toward gendered behaviors and identities, shaped by both subconscious sex and social norms, suggesting that these inclinations coexist with learned behaviors.

Graphing Gender: By visualizing gender against physical sex, it becomes evident that both allege overlapping bell curves, reflecting the complexity and non-binary nature of gender expression, much like other aspects of human variation.
Recognizing Diversity: Serano argues that rather than labeling different expressions as anomalies, society should recognize them as natural diversities that enrich human identity.
Synergy between Theories: Serano believes her model enhances Butler’s approach by addressing intrinsic factors influencing gender, rather than discounting the significance of societal construction.

The identity of an individual as a gendered being is profoundly influenced both by personal self-perception and by the frameworks established by society. Effective understanding of gender identity requires acknowledging the dynamic interplay between these internal and external factors.

Viewers are encouraged to engage with their own experiences regarding gender and identity, fostering an environment for open dialogue through comments and discussions.
The context of production is acknowledged, with avenues for support mentioned, such as Patreon, indicating the collaborative and communal aspect of exploring these themes.