Literature Review

In this essay I will be discussing theories reflecting; social construction of gender, social critique of gender dysmorphia and gender representation in popular culture. In relation to my three case studies; Trans Surgery, Transvestism and Transgender people in Society. I found that the following essay withholds relevant theories and texts to support my cases, bringing different ideas to discuss for next year’s dissertation, developing cosmetic surgery research.

Social construction of gender (Butler, 1990)

To distinguish transgender people from transvestite people; transgender undergo hormone therapy and surgery to change their genitals to become the opposing sex. Whereas, transvestite people impersonate the opposite sex by dressing (usually to the extreme), giving semblance of the opposing sex. (Bolich, 2008, P31.)
There’s a wide debate whether gender is socially constructed or biologically selected by genes at birth. Performance Analysis, Counsell, C and Wolf, L state; ‘the first is the firm distinction between biological sex and the cultural construct that is gender. Also that gender is affected by politics, the workplace, the home, and within social relationships, day-to-day behaviours, and as a feature of cultural identity.’ (Counsell, C. and Wolf, L. 2001; Butler, 1990.)

In support, Butler notes that feminists rejected the idea that biology is destiny, but then developed an account of patriarchal culture which assumed that masculine and feminine genders would inevitably be built, by culture, upon 'male' and 'female' bodies, making the same destiny just as inescapable. (Butler, 1990.)

Social construction of gender is constantly changing as we face more issues within the media. Individuals are represented unfairly to please what may be the majority of the public, who misunderstand transgender people. Society is also a large area in which we develop and become to fit within. Counsell and Wolf’s (2001) research suggests that gender is a performance and we are able to choose the roles we want to transpire. Butler argues that, ‘we all put on a gender performance, it is not a question of whether to do a gender performance, but what form that performance will take. By choosing to be different about it, we might work to change gender norms.’(Counsell, C. and Wolf, L. 2001; Butler, 1990.)

This supports the idea of identity becoming volatile and, in successfully doing so, be accepted into today’s society as whoever we choose to be. This relates to the difficulty transvestite surgery has in society with acceptance, which also links to the idea of surgery being used to improve ones life. Making the Cut, Elliott (2008) describes that surgery is ‘about improving ones life, and especially business opportunities.’ Meaning that people are given freedom to express who they feel they truly are and by undergoing surgery, believing they are more likely to be accepted, as society wouldn’t know any different. This also shows that to be successful, you must appear as the best version of yourself.

Ackroyd (1979) supports transvestism as transvestism in Tahiti, may represent power. It is believed that African God, ‘Shango can be represented as either male or female.’ Gender is socially constructed, more powerfully in some cultures than others. It is crucial that religious and cultural ideas are practiced, so such tribes are unaware that this is not seen as the norm elsewhere.

Social critique of gender dysmorphia (Freud, 2003.)

"When you meet a human being the first distinction you make is 'male or female' and you are accustomed to make the distinction with unhesitating certainty"

(Chermayeff 1995, p12; Freud. n.d) We find a comfort in familiar things, so depending on where in the world; gender dysmorphia is often discriminated as it is seen as unnatural and even horrific. Referring to Freuds Uncanny, research shows that we fear the unknown. Freud mentions castration as a fear; this is interesting as this may be why transgender are judged so harshly. It demonstrates the uncanny in such ways, they fear the castration of male to female transgender. Fear of an inanimate becoming animate could also link to the Uncanny in regards to the materials used to make the face and body more aesthetically pleasing. These materials aren’t organic, and are therefore categorised as alien. But as it becomes more common ‘the better orientated he was in the world around him, the less likely he would be to find the objects and occurrences in it uncanny. (Freud, 2003. P125.)

Public figures such as Pete Burns are possibly recognised more for their surgery horrors, rather than their success in the industry. Many fans are disappointed with his appearance, as he was an attractive character in the music industry. However, true fans have continued supporting him and defending against public abuse. On this matter, we question how Burns is related to the Uncanny. Freud explains, ‘something should be frightening precisely because it is unknown and unfamiliar.’ Freud (2003.p.125)

Gender representation (Butler – 2004)

Within popular culture, more transgender people are stepping into society. This may be seen as brave, however, depends on how and where they present themselves in the media. The Jeremy Kyle show interviewed a young female to male transgender which until recently was unheard of. The persona of this person exhibited outstanding bravery, as they were true to their own journey, and open to admiration, especially as this show is deemed shameful. So this in itself was a complete turnaround for the show and people’s reactions. Butler explains:

to be a body is to be given over to others even as a body is, emphatically, “ones own,” that over which we must claim rights of autonomy. This is as true for the claims made by lesbians, gays, and bisexuals in favour of sexual freedom as it is for transsexual and transgender claims to self-determination (Butler, J. 2004, p.21.)

which supports and reflects this persons attitude. Discussing representation of gender, we are unsure of how the individual wishes to be perceived, and when unidentified, fall into the category of ‘the third gender’ which is scientifically incorrect. According to Butler, others ‘insist that “transgender” is not exactly a third gender, but a mode of passage between genders’
(Butler, 2004 p43.)

Perhaps to be represented as intended is up to the person themselves to let the public know it is the norm or they are able to act as normal without questioning the past or even the future.

‘peoples everyday actions , then, reinforce and reproduce a set of expectations – and it is this set of other people’s expectations which make up the ‘social forces’ and ‘social structures’ Gauntlet (2002)

I will research further into the culture and how perception of transgender people may change within a short period of time.

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