Gender Identity Definition

In comparison to past definitions of gender, the contemporary definition of gender states that gender and gender expression is fluid and non-binary (Alegria & Ballard-Reisch, 2013). Due to political, economic, and social developments of society, past gender roles and values no longer hold the same significance as it did in the past (Alegria & Ballard-Reisch, 2013). As gender norms and beliefs continue to revolutionize, gender formation and identity has altered as well. By examining the way in which environment affects the formation of gender identity in transgender individuals, one may understand the way in which societal perceptions of gender impact the way in which individuals internalize gender in various ways. In order to understand the …show more content…
Social psychology states that gender expression is based on an individual's personal and relational coherence (Alegria & Ballard-Reisch, 2013). Rather than focu3sing on the biological and physical attributes of gender, social psychology aims to focus on the range of characteristics and behaviors that impact one's gender identity (Alegria & Ballard-Reisch, 2013). A distinguishing theory that highlights the social psychological perspective of gender is the concept of doing gender. Doing gender is a theory that states that gender is integrated into everyday interaction and language (Thanem & Wallenberg, 2016; Risman, 2009). While the concept of doing gender understands the sociological and symbolic interaction in gender identity, Risman emphasizes the importance in which society's changing values in gender impact the nature of doing gender (2009). New movements related to doing gender such as undoing gender, changing gender and new genders have been integrated with society's schema and have changed the way …show more content…
A prime illustration of the connection between doing gender and interpersonal relationships is by examining the way in which gender re-assignment affects the gender dynamics between couples. Past study has shown that men and women prefer to naturally follow gender roles and norms within marriages (Risman, 2009). The belief that doing gender and follows gender roles within households is the best is deeply entrenched within society (Risman, 2009). In fact, the societal views of doing gender and following gender roles are prevalent among couples in which one partner is transgender (Alegria & Ballard-Reisch, 2013). When examining the gender dynamics between couples with an individual who transitioned from FtM versus an individual who transitioned from MtF, there is an interesting pattern between the two different cohorts (Alegria & Ballard-Reisch, 2013). Women with partners who transitioned FtM found themselves performing more housework and became more self-conscious of their own body (Alegria & Ballard-Reisch, 2013). On the other hand, women with partners who transitioned MtF found that their relationships became more egalitarian and traditional gender roles were less vital (Alegria & Ballard-Reisch, 2013). The transition of gender dynamics between couples with a transgender individual demonstrates the way