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