Gender Identity?

What is gender identity? Is it an inborn set of values, feelings and attitudes? An articial construct, based on societal rules and expectations? It all comes down to the ancient question of nature vs. nurture. And the answer here, as in most things, is probably "both".

(Please note: there is a huge range of variation among individuals; the discussion below is intended to be an overview of general principles, not something to be applied blindly to everyone. It is my own interpretation, not intended to be definitive, but rather a basis for thought and discussion.)

Evolution has favored those who fit what we now consider to be stereotypically masculine or feminine traits. Natural selection is often misinterpreted as "survival of the fittest". In reality, the survival of the individual is not what is selected for; rather, it is the ability to pass ones genes along to another generation.

Historically, men who were good providers, with skills in hunting and/or gathering were seen by women as attractive potential mates, thus providing those men with more opportunities to pass along their genes. It was in the interest of men to impregnate as many women as possible, as often as possible, so as to increase the chances of the survival at least some of their offspring.

Women with strong maternal instincts were more likely to safeguard their children. Empathy for others helped create supportive communities. And the desire to settle with a single mate increased the chances that they and their offspring would continue to be provided for.

Thus the presence in people today of traits considered masculine or feminine (there were a number of physical attributes selected for as well, but these are irrelevant to this discussion).

These inborn traits provide the basis for what we now call "gender identity". How they manifest themselves in our day to day lives is colored by the society we live in.

Society tells us that men, the hunter/gatherer/providers, should be interested in sports and competition and things mechanical. Women, the mother/nurterer/caretakers, are supposed to be interested in the home and garden, spiritual matters, and taking care of their mate and children.

Occasionally a person is born who is physically of one sex, but whose gender identity is the opposite. Obviously there is a conflict between their identity and the role that society tells them they should take on, as defined by their physical sex. Some are devastated by the conflict, while others are able to adapt to the situation (with varying degrees of success). Any attempt by such a person to take on the role more appropriate to their gender identity is seen as unnatural, perhaps sinful, and threatening to society. Such people are often condemned and even vilified, and forced to either hide their feelings or become a part of a marginalized subculture. Those who are lucky enough to be able to pass as the sex they feel they are (either naturally or with the help of hormones and/or surgery) must do their best to hide their past and live day to day with the fear of being "outed".

One can only hope that in time society will evolve to accept and embrace these individuals, rather than marginalizing intelligent productive people because they don't fit a norm inherited from ancient times.