There has been a growing recognition of the existence of non-binary genders beyond the traditional binary categories of male and female. This has led to a debate among philosophers regarding the ontological status of these non-binary genders and their relationship to traditional concepts such as identity and substance. In this article, we will examine the various arguments that have been put forward in support of different positions on this issue and evaluate them based on their strengths and weaknesses.
Arguments for the Substantivalist Position
The substantivalist position argues that non-binary gender is simply a type of sexual orientation, meaning that it exists as an attribute of an individual's physical body. Proponents of this view point out that non-binary individuals do not necessarily identify with either male or female bodies and may instead identify with both, neither, or something else entirely. They argue that non-binary gender is therefore best understood as a form of sexuality rather than as a separate category. According to this view, the concept of "gender" itself should be seen as a social construct that reflects cultural norms and expectations about masculinity and femininity rather than biological reality.
One argument in favor of the substantivalist position comes from the fact that many non-binary individuals experience dysphoria when they are forced to conform to societal expectations of what it means to be male or female.
Someone who identifies as agender may feel deeply uncomfortable with the idea of being assigned a specific sex at birth and may even reject any attempts to categorize them as either male or female. From this perspective, non-binary gender can be seen as a way of acknowledging the complexities and fluidity of human sexuality rather than attempting to impose rigid categories onto it.
Another argument in favor of the substantivalist position is that it allows for greater inclusivity in our understanding of gender identity. By recognizing non-binary genders as a form of sexual orientation, we can avoid making assumptions about how people should behave based on their gender. This has important practical consequences, particularly for issues such as access to healthcare and education. Non-binary individuals often face discrimination and marginalization because of their perceived differences from traditional conceptions of masculinity and femininity. By accepting their unique experiences and perspectives, we can create more equitable spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Arguments Against the Substantivalist Position
The most common objection to the substantivalist position is that it fails to account for the ways in which non-binary gender intersects with other aspects of identity, such as race, ethnicity, and class. Some argue that non-binary gender is not simply an attribute of physical embodiment but also encompasses cultural and political dimensions that are not reducible to biological reality.
Some non-binary individuals may identify as queer, transgender, or intersex, all of which involve complex intersections between physical and social identities.
A second objection to the substantivalist position is that it does not address the ways in which non-binary gender exists beyond the individual level. While the substantivalist view focuses on personal experience and agency, many non-binary individuals see themselves as part of larger communities and movements that seek to challenge dominant societal norms. By reducing non-binary gender to a matter of private choice, this position overlooks the collective power structures that shape our understanding of what it means to be male, female, or something else entirely.
The debate over the ontological status of non-binary gender highlights the complexity of human sexuality and the ways in which it intersects with various aspects of identity. While the substantivalist position provides a valuable framework for understanding the experiences of non-binary individuals, it is limited by its exclusive focus on individual agency and its failure to recognize the broader political and social context within which these identities operate. In order to fully understand non-binary gender, we must continue to engage with diverse perspectives and approaches from across disciplines and cultures.
What is the ontological status of non-binary gender within metaphysical debates about identity and substance?
The issue of non-binary genders has been a hot topic in recent years due to increasing awareness of transgenderism and fluidity of gender identities. There are many different views on what constitutes a "real" gender, but most philosophers agree that it is a social construct rather than an essential characteristic.