Hetzel, C. J., & Mann, K. (2021). The social psychological dynamics of transgender and gender nonconforming identity formation, negotiation, and affirmation. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 38(9), 2566–2586. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075211015308.
Abstract
“This study contributes to trans identity affirmation research by exploring transgender and gender nonconforming (GNC) identity formation, negotiation, and affirmation involving self-verification (recognition by others of one’s gender identity and presentation) and validation (accordant treatment by others) in interpersonal relationships and social interactions. Classic symbolic interactionism and social identity theory, with a focus on the self-verification and identity negotiation processes that lie therein, provide the bases for viewing gender-expansive identity within social and interpersonal negotiations. Eighteen interviews were conducted with transgender and GNC participants. Using a grounded theory approach, four key themes emerged: the importance of personal agency in achieving internal and external identity accord, the value of revealing gender histories in interpersonal relationships, the recognition of extant hurdles in navigating intersectional identities, and the constrictive effects of cisgender privilege and binaried views of gender on the gender-expansive individual. In the discussion we address strategies to enhance gender negotiations, and suggest modifications to current views of gender roles and relationships that recognize the value of transgender and GNC individuals as enablers of change within and between gender groups.”
Was the study experimental or non-experimental? Explain, tell us what made that clear.
This journal is a thematic analysis rather than an experiment. Given that gender has been a somewhat unexplored component of social identity and self-actualization until recently, this article seeks to establish groundwork for future understanding. Such an understanding of the subject matter is critical for experimental studies of the future. To that end, this study consisted entirely of semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions such as “How do you define yourself in terms of gender” and “Do you ever feel your gender behavior is shaped by the expectations of and interactions with others?” This study is only devoted to capturing these thoughts and experiences.
Was the research qualitative or quantitative? Again, explain.
Given the inherently subjective experience of gender identity, this study is entirely qualitative. Recordings of semi-structured interviews were at the core of data gathered for this study. The study even clarifies that unscripted follow-up questions were asked on an “organic” basis. The only quantified information was specifying the number of arbitrary “themes” each participant experienced as they relate to social identity theory.
What was the population studied? Why do you say that?
This research seeks to understand transgender and gender nonconforming people in an effort to articulate their relationship with society at-large. Obviously, this is because culture is overwhelmingly dominated by cisgender people. Viewing Social Interaction Theory through the lens of an unrepresentative population could contribute to our greater understanding of society.
What sample was used for this study? Explain.
The sample consisted entirely of transgender, intersex, and gender-nonconforming people. At 18 participants, the sample size is relatively light, although significant information was gathered from all of them. The population is somewhat limited by its majority-white ethnic makeup and strictly Midwestern origin. Transgender women are also dominant in the population, although it’s impossible to call their representation disproportionate because prevalence of trans people as it relates to natal sex has practically never been researched.
What was the method of measurement?
Beyond the strictly demographic information gathered for the sake of representation, this was a qualitative study. Answers were gathered on an indiscriminate basis to emphasize that gender identity, especially among transgender people, is a non-linear experience that cannot be precisely measured. Thematic Analysis was the primary tool of “measurement”. These themes were coded and narrowed down into four distinct categories.
What was the method of analysis?
The four categories were filtered through interview questions and applied to the responses of all 18 participants. Through manifesting this data, the impressions and experiences of the participants can be generalized. For example, category four (A theme of Cisgender Privilege and Gender Policing) did not apply to any binary transgender men in the study. Category one (A theme of Internal and External Identity Accord) applied to 10/13 transgender women. These marginal demographic differences serve to deepen our understanding of how various transgender people interact with society, as well as accentuate diverse experiences within the transgender community.
What was the conclusion of the study?
The study considers the importance of a more non-linear approach to understanding trans identity affirmation as it relates to Social Identity Theory. Based on the participants’ response rates of its four major categories, the study concludes that transgender people have “a deeply felt need to present and receive acknowledgment (verification) and behavioral affirmation (validation) in ways that attested to their internal gender identity.” Within the framework of Social Identity Theory, the study posits that transgender people need a sense of belonging aligned with their gender identity to lead fulfilling lives.
Why is this study useful to you? Explain in detail.
I obviously didn’t need extensive research to demonstrate my personal desire to be treated as a woman, but this academic legwork still offers a useful outlet in making the nuances of this fact more accessible. Transgender issues are still poorly understood by society at-large. In fact, even trans people such as myself who actively seek this knowledge can easily get caught behind hurdles. Many academic studies on transgender people have a poor understanding of the trans experience and make faulty suppositions as a result. For example, many studies define being transgender has having undergone sex reassignment surgery instead of simply identifying with a gender you were not assigned at-birth. Seeing a study define trans issues from a strictly non-linear context is incredibly refreshing.
What would be the next logical step in extending this study?
As mentioned previously, researchers need to know what to measure before measuring it. With this study’s superior understanding of trans issues, we are one step closer to finally being able to measure transgender issues in a more analytical fashion. More systematic quantitative studies and intensive measurement are a natural step to take from this article going forward.