Gender representation beyond the binary: New possibilities and understandings

Abstract

In Western society, there is a pervasive view that only two fixed, biologically determined, gender identities exist (e.g., ‘male’ and ‘female’). These constructions form the basis of hetero- and cisnormativity: the dominant societal assumptions that heterosexuality and binary models of gender are natural and normal. These assumptions do not represent everyone (e.g., LGBTQ+; gender diverse populations) and problems related to these assumptions are evidenced within society (e.g., school systems). This thesis understands that, for some, gender beyond the binary is possible. To engage with these possibilities, it is recognised that multiple realities exist and are placed within an individual’s language, interpretations, and interactions. The aim of this thesis is to attend to multiple representations of gender and additionally represent the voices of individuals who are marginalised within societal assumptions. With these ventures in mind, two research enquiries were undertaken. Using meta ethnography, a systematic literature review was conducted to explore how those who identify outside of the gender binary, around the world, construct their gender or related constructs. This review placed emphasis on how some individuals (e.g., ‘non-binary’; ‘genderqueer’) are held particularly accountable to Western constructions of gender and the social worlds around them, making their truths difficult to exist. Following this, an empirical research project was undertaken that took constructions elicited from the systematic literature review to a panel of young people based in the UK. Through a consensus building methodology, the panel were asked to consider what they feel is important to the way in which gender is viewed. From their views, a new framework to the ways in which gender could be viewed was co-created and is represented within the empirical paper. Through both research enquiries, implications for educational professionals, researchers, and policy makers are considered in relation to the dominance of hetero- and cis-normativity. This includes recognising that, for some, gender can transcend fixed and biologically determined possibilities, gender can exist outside or within binary constructions, and gender can fluctuate through time and social worlds. Recommendations are made to allow marginalised voices the autonomy, space, and understanding to construct a gender possibility that is true to them. Strengths and limitations of each research enquiry are considered.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Jamie Thomas Wilson: orcid.org/0000-0002-5865-1653

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