Transgender Children Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Transgender Children - Research Paper Example They are transgendered children† ABC News, 2007 The terms ‘sex’ and /or ‘gender’ are used loosely and interchangeably, in today’s society, with respect to describing an individual’s gender, despite the fact that both the words have a completely different meaning, which is distinct from each other. The word ‘sex’ refers to the biological categorization of an individual into ‘male’ or ‘female’ gender, based on their reproductive organs. Gender on the other hand, is more of a social construct, and is a term coined and used by the society to classify and describe an individual typically ‘male’ or ‘female’, based on social gender descriptions of the two (Morrow & Messinger, 2006). One of the most common misconceptions with regard to the definition of the term ‘gender’ as applied by the society, refers to the fact that it is an integral part of our existence and ident ities, and that it assigns social status to newly born, at the time of their birth. The society as well as our surrounding environment such as parents, plays a key role in shaping and influencing our attitudes towards what constitute gender, and inculcate socially acceptable gender norms, by interactions with the children and is reflected in the type of toys or clothes bought for the male and the female child. Such behavior on the part of the child’s immediate environment tends to teach the ‘appropriate’ and acceptable manner of leading their lives, and teaches them to behave in a ‘gender appropriate’ manner. The term ‘transgender’ as applied in contemporary society, is an umbrella term which is used to describe individuals with gender identity issues, and display a non-conformist behavior / attitude with regard to the same, i.e., an individual, biologically born as a male tends to behave as a female trapped in a male’s body and v ice versa (Morrow & Messinger, 2006). The transgender children often insist of being born in the ‘wrong body’ (ABC News, 2007). Research questions: The key research questions addressed as a part of this study include: What does it mean to be transgendered? What are the key causes behind such gender identity issues? Are there any cures for the same? But most of all this study aims to emphasize the gravity of the issue, and delve further into the complex social and psychological implications of transexualism and its impact on the children and those around them. In order to seek answers for the above listed questions, a qualitative research method - secondary data analysis, is used, whereby data from academic and clinical journals, books, and other primary resources such as government websites and newspapers are used. 2. Literature review 2.1. Understanding Transgender Children: The term 'Transgender' refers to people who have serious gender identity issues and have diffic ulty associating and correlating with the biological sex they are born with. Such individuals do not suffer from any genetic abnormalities (Lee & Houk, 2006). Transgender children suffer from gender identity issues wherein the boys are often seen more comfortable with associating themselves with girls, dress like them and even play with dolls, display stereotypical feminine traits and vice versa (Brill & Pepper 2008). Research indicates that children normally begin to develop gender identity around the age of three years (Cohen-Hettenis & Arrindell, 1990. This theory holds true even in case of transgender child