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“You’re trying to put yourself in boxes, which doesn’t work”: Exploring non-binary youth’s gender identity development using feminist relational discourse analysis

Ward, L. and Lucas, S. (2023) “You’re trying to put yourself in boxes, which doesn’t work”: Exploring non-binary youth’s gender identity development using feminist relational discourse analysis. Journal of Gender Studies. 0958-9236.

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Ward_&_Lucas_2023_Youre_trying_to_put_yourself_in_boxes_which_doesnt_work_Exploring_non-binary_youths_gender_identity_development_using_feminist_relational_discourse_analysis
Ward_Lucas_2023_Youre_trying_to_put_yourself_in_boxes_which_doesnt_work_Exploring_non_binary_youths_gender_identity_development_using_feminist_relational_discourse_analysis_Published.pdf - Published Version
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Abstract:
There are growing numbers of non-binary youth in the U.K. with increasing representation, whilst simultaneously forms of gender diversity are being heavily regulated. Non-binary youth face unique challenges regarding their gender development due to age-based expectations for single and stable identities, and the gender binary. This article explores the regulation of gender identity borders and how non-binary youth navigate these. 10 non-binary youth living in the U.K. aged 16-21 years old took part in semi-structured individual interviews. Feminist Relational Discourse Analysis was used to explore forms of regulation through discourse analysis whilst also tracing the personal experiences through the discursive realms by constructing I poems. The analysis highlights how a non-binary gender provides freedom from the gender binary for identity development and understanding of oneself in context. However, the freedom provided by non-binary identities is precarious and risks being regulated by individualism and attempts to shame, which cause youth to censor their gender diversities. The research contributes to non-binary theory by focusing on the intersection of age to highlight the discursive realms and voiced experiences of non-binary identity development.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3200/3204
Creators:
Ward, L. and Lucas, S.
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology
Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences
Date:
7 March 2023
Date Type:
Publication
Journal or Publication Title:
Journal of Gender Studies
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1080/09589236.2023.2172557
ISSN:
0958-9236
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
Yes
Related URLs:
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