Journal article 913 views 248 downloads
Authenticity, intersubjectivity and the ethics of changing sex
Paddy McQueen 
Journal of Gender Studies, Volume: 25, Issue: 5, Pages: 557 - 570
Swansea University Author:
Paddy McQueen
-
PDF | Accepted Manuscript
Download (138.51KB)
DOI (Published version): 10.1080/09589236.2015.1063991
Abstract
This paper examines how particular conceptions of the self shape discussions about the ethics of changing sex. I argue that much of the debate surrounding sex change presupposes a model of the self as authentic and/or atomistic. This is evident in both contemporary medical discourses and the recent...
| Published in: | Journal of Gender Studies |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0958-9236 1465-3869 |
| Published: |
2016
|
| Online Access: |
Check full text
|
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48272 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Abstract: |
This paper examines how particular conceptions of the self shape discussions about the ethics of changing sex. I argue that much of the debate surrounding sex change presupposes a model of the self as authentic and/or atomistic. This is evident in both contemporary medical discourses and the recent work of Rubin (2003). Such a conception of the self results in a problematic account of important ethical issues arising from the desire and decision to change sex/gender. I suggest that by moving to a properly intersubjective and performative model of the self, we can better understand (1) the diagnosis of transsexuality; and (2) issues of success, failure and regret with regard to changing sex. I also reveal the important implications this shift has for how the relationship between medical practitioners and trans individuals is understood. I conclude by showing how the model of the self as authentic can individualise identity and thus downplay or overlook the tight intertwinement between self and other. A properly intersubjective, performative concept of the gendered self places other people at the centre of both an individual's attempt at self-transformation and the ethical issues that arise during this process. |
|---|---|
| Keywords: |
Authenticity; Gender; Identity; Intersubjectivity; Regret; Trans identities |
| College: |
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Issue: |
5 |
| Start Page: |
557 |
| End Page: |
570 |