Temporal sociomedical approaches to intersex* bodies

Area of Science:

• Sociomedical studies
• Intersex variations
• Body autonomy

Background:

• Sociomedical management of intersex bodies/variations in sex development (VSD) historically involves controlling uncertainty.
• This tension exists between medical interventions and the experiences of intersex individuals.
• Evolving approaches reflect changing perspectives on managing VSD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe three temporal sociomedical approaches to intersex/VSD bodies.
• To analyze these approaches through biopolitical, phenomenological, and pragmatic lenses.
• To explore the role of time in addressing uncertainty and enabling social change.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative studies on intersex experiences.
• Analysis of three distinct temporal sociomedical approaches.
• Comparative perspective analysis (biopolitical, phenomenological, pragmatic).

Main Results:

• Three approaches identified: corrective-concealing, preventive, and wait-and-see.
• The corrective-concealing approach prioritizes early intervention and concealment.
• The preventive approach focuses on genetic diagnostics to regulate hereditary conditions.
• The wait-and-see approach emphasizes natural variation and bodily autonomy.

Conclusions:

• Time is a critical social agent in managing uncertainty surrounding intersex/VSD.
• Sociomedical approaches shape norms and social orders.
• Time can also facilitate creative social change and support bodily autonomy for intersex individuals.