Third Sex, Third Gender: Beyond Sexual Dimorphism in Culture and HistoryGilbert Herdt Most modern discussions of the relationship of biological sex to gender presuppose that there are two genders, male and female, founded on the two biological sexes. But not all cultures share this essentialist assumption, and even Western societies have not always embraced it. Bringing together historical and anthropological studies, Third Sex, Third Gender challenges the usual emphasis on sexual dimorphism and reproduction, providing a unique perspective on the various forms of socialization of people who are neither “male” nor “female.” |
Contents
Preface | |
Third Sexes and Third Genders Gilbert Herdt | |
Eunuchs and Gender in Byzantium Kathryn M | |
From Three Sexes to Four Genders in the Making | |
Sodomy and the Pursuit of a Third Sex in the Early Modern Period Theo | |
Polynesian Gender Liminality Through Time and Space Niko | |
Toward a Unified Analysis of Gender | |
Herdt 419 | |
Notes 487 | |
Contributors 597 | |