Factors Underlying Perceptions of Sex of Transgender People

• In Event: 3446 - Transgender Studies: New Theoretical and Methodological Approaches

Abstract

Drawing on a nationally representative survey experiment (N = 3,878), we examine the factors that underlie Americans’ perceptions of the sex of transgender people. In the experiment, we manipulate whether a transperson identifies as a man or woman (gender identity), younger or older (age), and whether others perceive them to be gender conforming. We ask participants whether they view the vignette character as male or female and to explain their reasoning. Findings indicate that gender conformity, but not gender identity or age, drive people’s perceptions of sex. Although gender conformity drive perceptions of sex, few respondents explicitly use this rationale in their explanations for responses. Instead, prominent themes point to an identity-biology divide. Interestingly, participants who are the most likely to draw on biologically deterministic explanations for sex are also the most likely to be influenced by gender conformity. By homing in on the underlying factors that drive public perceptions of sex, we can better understand the cultural logics that shape discourse surrounding transgender rights and broaden sociological understandings of sex and gender.

Authors

• Long Doan, University of Maryland

• Brian Powell, Indiana University

• Natasha Quadlin, Ohio State University