When considering gender, the difference between "sex" and "gender" often comes up. Sex refers to biological differences, while gender represents social and cultural differences. But is it really that simple?
John Money believed that gender is shaped by education and societal influences. However, Judith Butler argued that even "sex" is recognized as "male" or "female" under social influence, making it a part of gender. This perspective suggests that our understanding of biological sex may be shaped by social frameworks and language. How people interpret the difference between sex and gender varies. Looking closely at these terms might offer new ways to rethink gender.
Our urge to categorize and simplify can lead us to use language to sort people into two categories: male and female. But hormone levels and physical traits vary greatly among individuals and can even change from day to day. As we move away from the binary view of male and female, how should we approach gender?
Perspectives Beyond Language
When thinking about gender, we often try to classify and organize using language. But language tends to be goal-oriented. Could we just "feel" without aiming for a specific purpose? For example, when we categorize both the green of fireworks and the green of trees as the same "green," we may overlook subtle differences. Just as Butler describes the performative power of language in forming gender, relying on expressions of masculinity and femininity can obscure the rich diversity of each individual. LGBTQIA and the undefinable spaces between letters are visually represented by the rainbow's gradient. Trying to capture these spaces with visuals, rather than language, suggests that we can interpret gender through visual or physical expression beyond performative language.
The Collapse of the Family in Postmodern Society
The concept of family has evolved over time. In industrial society, people were treated as manageable units within groups and organizations, with households functioning as similar units. In Japan, as the economy grew post-WWII, the idea of a company as "home" took hold, leading to a corporate culture of collective values. Families, too, were seen as extensions of the organization.
But today's households and family dynamics have changed dramatically. Traditionally, men were breadwinners, and women managed the home. This was supported by tax incentives and systems that encouraged women to stay home, with penalties for earning beyond certain thresholds. Yet, with economic shifts and changing gender roles, dual-income households are increasingly common, challenging the traditional family model.
In South Korea, the shift from household-based to individual-based management has included the abolition of the family register system. In societies that value individual autonomy, Japan’s ongoing debate about allowing married couples to keep separate surnames might find a resolution. The shift in emphasis from family to personal bonds in marriage could reflect this individual-based approach. Additionally, Japan’s recent move to calculate pensions individually rather than by household underscores this shift.
A Sensitive Body
In daily life, we are often bound by purpose and meaning. Yet, if we could let go of purpose and just "experience," we might see things that language cannot capture. While self-reflection is often termed as "checking," maybe simply sensing and experiencing is also valid. "A sensitive body" that just feels might be essential.
In dance, we may sense "masculinity" or "femininity" in movement. But freeing dance from these labels could allow for more natural movement. By letting go of gender expectations and roles, perhaps we can transcend the human framework and move as "bodies" alone.
Reflecting on family and gender in postmodern society, we may sometimes need to go beyond language and feel with our bodies. This approach could deepen discussions in future study sessions.
Challenges for the Future
As modern society calls for diverse views on gender and family, rethinking the frameworks that language and systems provide becomes essential.
1. Understanding and Differentiating Sex and Gender Language
Learning the general concepts of biological sex (sex) and social roles (gender) and their distinctions is essential. Awareness of language’s power and limits is critical for mutual understanding and proposing new interpretations.
2. Defining Sex through Performative Nonverbal Expression
Beyond language, exploring gender through nonverbal performance, such as physical and visual expression, allows for diverse identities beyond verbal constraints.
3. Understanding the Impact of Social Systems on Family Formation
Understanding how social systems shape family structures, influence individuals' lives, and affect values provides insight for discussing family perspectives and system reforms.
These challenges could offer fresh perspectives on the forms of family and gender in postmodern society.
Summary: Danshiro
Reference Material
“Getting a Grasp on Gender Theory”
Authors: Yuki Senda, Yuko Nakanishi, Kaoru Aoyama
An introductory text by three authors that outlines fundamental frameworks of gender theory, offering insight into the order of gender. Written in approachable language, this is a friendly guide for anyone looking to delve deeper into the subject.
Comments