Essentialism, Experience, and the Transsexual Reality
Location
CSU 203
Start Date
23-4-2007 1:00 PM
End Date
23-4-2007 3:00 PM
Student's Major
Gender and Women's Studies
Student's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Mentor's Name
Jocelyn Fenton Stitt
Mentor's Department
Gender and Women's Studies
Mentor's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Description
Within modem feminist debate, the definition of "woman" has created two different core theories. The essentialist perspective defines a "woman" as needing a certain list of criteria that are required in order to be considered a woman. The experience perspective defines a "woman" by criteria based on experience of the feminine gender expression and society's response. Male to female transsexuals embody real world scenarios in which the definitions of womanhood are put into practice and challenged. I did in-depth interviews with two male to female transsexuals about their experiences within the workplace. Additional interviews were conducted with their clients during or after their transition in order to gain a better understanding of current perceptions surrounding women's identity and community in relation to a male to female transsexual throughout transition. Through analyzing these two in-depth interviews, I hope to illuminate alternative definitions of womanhood. Data will be obtained using two methods. The first will be in-depth interviews that will gain personal responses to questions I pose. The second will be through content analysis of articles, books, and discussions surrounding womanhood and what it means to be a woman.
Essentialism, Experience, and the Transsexual Reality
CSU 203
Within modem feminist debate, the definition of "woman" has created two different core theories. The essentialist perspective defines a "woman" as needing a certain list of criteria that are required in order to be considered a woman. The experience perspective defines a "woman" by criteria based on experience of the feminine gender expression and society's response. Male to female transsexuals embody real world scenarios in which the definitions of womanhood are put into practice and challenged. I did in-depth interviews with two male to female transsexuals about their experiences within the workplace. Additional interviews were conducted with their clients during or after their transition in order to gain a better understanding of current perceptions surrounding women's identity and community in relation to a male to female transsexual throughout transition. Through analyzing these two in-depth interviews, I hope to illuminate alternative definitions of womanhood. Data will be obtained using two methods. The first will be in-depth interviews that will gain personal responses to questions I pose. The second will be through content analysis of articles, books, and discussions surrounding womanhood and what it means to be a woman.
Recommended Citation
Freihoefer, Brad. "Essentialism, Experience, and the Transsexual Reality." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 23, 2007.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2007/oral-session-07/6
