Gender freedom vs freedom from gender?

An invitation to take tensions seriously

Abstract

This paper explores the tensions between struggles for ‘gender freedom’ and ‘freedom from gender’. The author argues that the gender system oppresses different subjects in different ways and that, as a result, the goals of their struggles may diverge. The paper critiques the identification of gender with gender identity and proposes a notion of gender as a social classification system that produces both distinctions and hierarchies. Through an analysis of the gender system inspired by radical feminism, the paper examines the dimensions of gender oppression and affirms the importance of struggles for freedom from gender, while recognising the value of struggles for gender freedom in undermining the foundations of this system. The author argues that those fighting for the abolition of gender should support the struggle of trans people for gender self-determination. The paper concludes by taking a sceptical view of the possibility of a non-oppressive gender system.

Keywords: gender, gender identity, gender oppression, gender freedom, freedom from gender.