Gender Binary Essay

The sex and gender binary is a socially-constructed classification of sex and gender into two distinct and biological forms of masculine and feminine. The binary is a restricting concept that enforces the ideology that solely two genders exist—it is a social boundary that limits people from exploring gender identity or mixing it up (Larkin, 2016). As Mann depicts it, the binary constrains us to take on one gender identity, and to follow through with the expected roles assigned to that gender. The implications are that it compels people to fit into the binary and follow the patriarchal, heteronormative traditions of society (Mann, 2012). However, the binary was not always so clear-cut, but certain concepts from scientific research such as the

In his perspective, genitals are the essential sign of gender, and that anything beyond the two genders is unreal and a joke. He further states that these categories are assigned by nature. However, Prasad refutes this ideology of biological determinism—as she states, the dichotomies that fabricate male and female are merely concepts politically enforced to “sustain the subordination of women through their relegation into devalued social spheres” (Prasad, 2005). Garfinkel’s flawed claims were widespread and popular belief in the Western world, imposing the gender binary. The enforcement implies people who do not conform to the gender norms associated with the binary, they may face threats, violence, and other forms of discrimination. There are various obstacles those who do not comply to the binary

One of the earlier ones originated in Europe and was used until the 18th century—this was referred to as the one sex model, which as not based on differences like our widespread gender binary is today. They believed there was one sex, but even in their beliefs, women’s bodies were seen as slightly inferior to men’s. Then subsequently, as science became mainstream, male bodies were believed to be superior to females as it “became increasingly marginal or subject to male control” (Grewal & Kaplan p.2, 2002). Also, until the emergence of transgender and queer theories, feminists viewed the binary as the fixed foundation of sexism (Grewal & Kaplan, 2002). Another variation was part of Indigenous cultures in Canada—they had diverse forms of erode, gender and social life compared to the Europeans. Two-spirits, mixed-genders, cross-dressers, and women being more socially equal to men were present and widely socially accepted. However, due to the colonization, the white settlers enforced their values among the indigenous peoples—the creation of Canada was the downfall and marginalization of their gender diversity (Kinsman, 1996). The strict sex/gender binary is essentially very socially constructed, and widely endorsed due to Western