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Contesting Intersex: The Dubious Diagnosis - Biopolitics 10

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Contesting Intersex: The Dubious Diagnosis is a groundbreaking book that challenges the traditional medical understanding of intersex. This important work provides a comprehensive overview of the history, politics, and ethics of intersexuality, and offers a new way of thinking about this complex and often misunderstood condition.

Contesting Intersex: The Dubious Diagnosis (Biopolitics 10)

Contesting Intersex: The Dubious Diagnosis (Biopolitics Book 10)

by Georgiann Davis

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2640 KB
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Print length	:	233 pages

The book is written by Georgiann Davis, a professor of sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Davis has been studying intersexuality for over twenty years, and her work has been instrumental in shaping the current understanding of this condition.

In Contesting Intersex, Davis argues that the medical diagnosis of intersex is often arbitrary and harmful. She shows how the medical establishment has historically pathologized intersexuality, and how this has led to discrimination and violence against intersex people.

Davis also explores the ways in which intersexuality has been used to justify social and political oppression. She shows how the medical diagnosis of intersex has been used to justify the forced sterilization of intersex people, and how it has been used to deny intersex people their rights to bodily autonomy and self-determination.

Contesting Intersex is a powerful and timely book that challenges the traditional medical understanding of intersex. This important work provides a comprehensive overview of the history, politics, and ethics of intersexuality, and offers a new way of thinking about this complex and often misunderstood condition.

Davis's book is essential reading for anyone interested in intersexuality, gender studies, or the history of medicine. It is a groundbreaking work that will undoubtedly shape the future of intersex activism and scholarship.

History of Intersexuality
Politics of Intersexuality
Ethics of Intersexuality

Intersex is a term used to describe people who are born with physical sex characteristics that do not fit the typical definitions of male or female. Intersex people may have chromosomes, genitals, or other physical characteristics that are not typically associated with one sex or the other.

The medical diagnosis of intersex is often arbitrary and harmful. There is no single definition of intersex, and the criteria for diagnosis can vary depending on the doctor or medical institution. This can lead to confusion and uncertainty for intersex people, and it can make it difficult for them to access the care they need.

Intersex people have been subjected to discrimination and violence for centuries. They have been forcibly sterilized, denied their rights to bodily autonomy, and subjected to corrective surgeries that can cause lifelong pain and disability.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement of intersex activists who are challenging the traditional medical understanding of intersex. These activists are working to raise awareness of intersexuality, to end discrimination against intersex people, and to promote intersex acceptance and inclusion.

History of Intersexuality

The history of intersexuality is long and complex. Intersex people have been documented in cultures around the world for centuries. In some cultures, intersex people were revered as sacred beings, while in other cultures they were feared and outcast.

In the West, the medicalization of intersexuality began in the 19th century. Doctors began to classify intersex people as "hermaphrodites" or "sexual anomalies." These classifications were based on the belief that there are only two sexes, and that any deviation from this norm is pathological.

The medicalization of intersexuality led to a number of harmful practices, including forced sterilization, corrective surgeries, and hormone therapy. These practices were often performed without the consent of intersex people, and they can cause lifelong pain and disability.

Politics of Intersexuality

The politics of intersexuality are complex and multifaceted. Intersex people have been used to justify social and political oppression, and they have also been used to challenge traditional notions of gender and sexuality.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, intersex people were often used to justify the forced sterilization of people with disabilities. This practice was based on the belief that intersex people were incapable of reproduction, and that they posed a threat to the gene pool.

In the mid-20th century, intersex people were used to justify the forced sterilization of transgender people. This practice was based on the belief that transgender people were mentally ill, and that they needed to be "cured" of their condition.

In recent years, intersex people have begun to challenge the traditional medical understanding of intersex. They have also begun to challenge the social and political oppression they face. Intersex activists are working to raise awareness of intersexuality, to end discrimination against intersex people, and to promote intersex acceptance and inclusion.

Ethics of Intersexuality

The ethics of intersexuality are complex and multifaceted. There is no easy answer to the question of how to treat intersex people. However, there are a number of ethical principles that can guide us in making decisions about intersex people and their care.

One of the most important ethical principles is the principle of bodily autonomy. This principle holds that people have the right to make decisions about their own bodies, including their own sexuality and gender identity.

Another important ethical principle is the principle of non-maleficence. This principle holds that we should do no harm to others. This means that we should not subject intersex people to unnecessary surgery or other medical interventions.

Finally, the principle of justice requires that we treat all people fairly and equitably. This means that we should not discriminate against intersex people, and that we should provide them with the same opportunities as everyone else.

Contesting Intersex is a groundbreaking book that challenges the traditional medical understanding of intersexuality. This important work provides a comprehensive overview of the history, politics, and ethics of intersexuality, and offers a new way of thinking about this complex and often misunderstood condition.

Contesting Intersex: The Dubious Diagnosis (Biopolitics Book 10)

by Georgiann Davis

4.7 out of 5