Congress Paper Abstract

How can we study transsexual identity?

Katherine Johnson, Doctoral Student, Social and Applied Psychology Group, Middlesex University 

Email: k.johnson@nw.mdx.ac.uk

Traditionally, transsexualism has been theorized within the "Medical Model’ (Kando, 1973), which involves the collection of biographical and in-depth psychological data, followed by a period of analysis, classification, diagnosis and etiological theorizing (Ekins, 1997). In this paper a shift in focus is proposed, away from the cause of transsexualism, towards the study of transsexual identity. Before crucial questions such as ’what does it mean to be a transsexual?’ can be asked, it is important to justify the methodological approach that is employed in the study of transsexual identity. A critique of two methods, Participant Observation utilized by Bolin (1998), and Grounded Theory employed by Ekins (1997), is offered, before presenting the merits of a discursive approach. It is argued that Discourse Analysis (Potter & Wetherell, 1987; Hollway, 1989) permits the notions of subjectivity, self and identity to be explored in such a way that enables us to address the complexity of a transsexual identity. A greater understanding of the experience of being transsexual can only be of benefit, if we are to see transsexuals accepted as valid and valued members of society.

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