THE DEVELOPMENT OF SEX AND GENDER INTO FEMALE SPECIFIC MEDICINE

By Stephanie Tran

ONE-SEX MODEL TWO-SEX MODEL

Thomas Laqueur

Historical analysis of sex model shift Anatomical to

chemical

Was there truly a one-sex model as described by Laqueur?

ENDOCRINOLOGY

Both normative sexes have the other’s sex hormones present in the body

Sex endocrinology & one-sex theory

Double negative: Menstruation

eliminated using hormonal therapy = double negative

Creates universal identities

MARGINALIZATION IN MEDICINE

Mainstream hormonal therapy: contraception

Unequal access to services and education

1997 Survey of chronically homeless women in

Los Angeles

Highlights race and class issues

Unique situation and problems of a marginalized

group

CONCLUSION

Science is only “how”, not “why”

Contemporary reliance on endocrinology for therapy promotes hyperfeminity, but the effects mimic the one-sex model

The one sex is male

Non-ideal women cannot obtain the proper femininity because of lack of privilege