TERF wars: An Introduction Flashcards
In one sentence, what would the author(s) say is the main claim that they make in this piece?
The authors contend that the “TERF wars” are complex ideological battles within feminism, influenced by historical debates, language, and contested notions of truth and neutrality used to undermine trans activism and research.
What are 4 other key claims that are made?
- The authors believe that the “TERF wars” are really complicated arguments happening inside feminism itself. These arguments are shaped by old debates, the way people use words, and different ideas about what is true and fair. Some people use these ideas to try to weaken the work of trans activists and researchers.
- Trans-exclusionary politics often depend on the idea that men and women are biologically different in some basic way. People who hold these views use science and biology to say that trans and intersex women aren’t “real” women. They insist that “femaleness” is about having a particular body, and they ignore the feminist idea that what we think of as “sex” and “gender” are actually shaped by society.
- The idea of “gender ideology” started with groups that were against feminism and trans rights, especially right-wing Christians. Now, far-right groups use this idea to create fear about changes in how we see sex and gender. They claim that LGBTQ+ rights are an attack on traditional values.
- “Gender critical” people often say that they are being silenced or shut down, but this isn’t really true. They get plenty of attention in the news and in politics. Also, they often don’t really listen to what trans people have to say, and they twist facts to support their own anti-feminist views
Explain gender ideology
This term originates in anti-feminist and anti-trans discourses among right-wing Christians. It is used to position gender egalitarianism, sexual liberation, and LGBTQ+ rights as an attack on traditional values. The article points out that the meaning of “gender ideology” is often not clearly defined, making it an effective tool for conjuring moral panic
Explain gender critical
= This term is preferred by many anti-trans campaigners associated with radical feminist movements, denoting an emphasis on claiming ‘biologically defined’ notions of femaleness and womanhood over gender identity and social concepts of gender.
Explain post-truth era
= an era in which conventional notions of expertise and the epistemic status of facts are fragmenting, exemplified by the proliferation of so-called fake-news; many people are abandoning conventional criteria of evidence in favour of alternative knowledge and beliefs
Explain sex-based rights
A central concept mobilised by trans-exclusionary organisations, it emphasises the distinction between sex (as ‘biological’ reality) and gender (as social role or ideology). These organisations argue that laws should be interpreted to understand trans women as ‘male’ and trans men as ‘female’, viewing sex as immutable.
Explain self-determination
Organisations resisting self-determination discursively position it as ‘dangerous’, arguing that it enables ‘men’ unfettered access to women-only spaces. The UK government held a public consultation on GRA reform in 2018, which led to a backlash against the proposed changes.
Explain situated knowledge
The authors conceptualise their writing as situated knowledge, where recognising situatedness also implies recognising failure in political innocence. Their social locations are epistemically and politically salient, and they are therefore not ‘neutral’ observers or outsiders looking into the TERF wars.
D – Description. What is the author’s project? What are their assumptions?
The authors’ project involves a critical sociological examination of the “TERF wars” to dissect the anti-trans backlash within feminism and understand knowledge construction around trans issues. They assume trans people’s experiences merit respect, gender and sex are socially constructed, trans communities are diverse, and language is a tool of power. Their goal is to dismantle exclusionary discourses and advocate for sex liberation and feminist freedom for all.
A – Analysis. What does the author say is occurring, and why? What assumptions about human nature can you see in this?
The authors describe a backlash against trans rights fueled by essentialist views on sex/gender, distrust in experts, and the strategic use of “science” and “neutrality” to exclude trans people. They assume that humans seek to maintain power structures, are susceptible to misinformation and moral panic, are motivated by personal and political factors, need community, and are capable of both solidarity and exclusion. Ultimately, their project aims to dismantle exclusionary discourses and advocate for sex liberation and feminist freedom for all.
V – Vision. What would they like to see?
They wish to see an unravelling of exclusionary discourses within both feminist and trans communities. Ultimately, they wish for a future where debates over “trans-exclusionary” and “gender critical” politics are irrelevant, so that people can unite around a shared interest in sex liberation and feminist freedom for all. They champion personal and bodily autonomy while addressing power structures and inequalities, guided by the lived experiences of marginalised individuals.
S – Strategy. What does their writing suggest could happen to bring about a better world?
Dismantling exclusionary discourses in feminist and trans communities, uniting people around shared interests in sex liberation and feminist freedom. This involves recognising trans people’s experiences, challenging essentialist views on sex and gender, and promoting personal and bodily autonomy.
