Troubling the line : exploring the discursive construction of trans masculinity
Date
2020-03
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis is an exploratory study that looks into the discursive construction of trans
masculinity. The data for this study emanates from semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted
with seven self-identified trans masculine individuals who live in Cape Town, South Africa. Two
methods of data analysis were used; within-case and cross-case analysis and Foucauldian discourse
analysis. The analysis showed three dominant discourses that trans masculine individuals cite to
construct and understand their gender: the discourse of ‘gender-specific bodies’; medical
transitioning discourse; and counter patriarchal masculinities discourse. The study therefore shows
how trans masculine individuals cite competing and dominant discourses to construct masculine
subject positions that affirm and validate their masculinity. The findings demonstrate that drawing
from dominant discourses of gender allows trans masculine individuals to simultaneously source
normative ideas of masculinity while troubling the very assumptions of those knowledges. In
addition, the study shows how dominant discourse of masculinity constrict and limit the liveability
of trans masculine subjectivity and how trans masculinity is negotiated at the limits of patriarchal
contours of masculinity. Further, drawing from experiences of being socialised into cisheteropatriarchal
gender norms the participants in this study reject stereotypical configurations of
masculinity and create masculine subject positions that are cognisant of the hierarchical and
relational construction of gender. To this end, I argue that trans masculinity is constructed through
multiple discourses that shape different and complex modes of masculine embodiment and reveals
the fluidity of gender identity and expression.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming
Description
Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2020.
Keywords
Masculinity, Gender identity, UCTD, Transgender men, Discourse analysis, Patriarchy, Gender transition