Deconstructing sex: Strategies for undoing binary thinking in neuroendocrinology and behavior

Area of Science:

• Biological Sciences
• Sexology
• Medical Research

Background:

• Basic scientific research frequently employs a simplified, often binary, model of biological sex.
• This reductionist approach overlooks crucial physiological variations and complexities.
• Existing models fail to account for intersex, transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals, impacting medical research and practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine the prevalent, simplistic use of "sex" as a variable in scientific research.
• To provide guiding questions for scientists to deconstruct and re-evaluate their methodologies concerning sex.
• To advocate for a more nuanced and accurate representation of sexed physiologies in scientific inquiry.

Main Methods:

• The study involves a critical discourse analysis of how "sex" is conceptualized and applied in scientific research.
• It builds upon discussions from the SBN 2022 Symposium on Hormones and Trans Health.
• Guiding questions are proposed to facilitate a re-evaluation of "sex" throughout the scientific method.

Main Results:

• Current practices in scientific research often rely on an oversimplified and binary understanding of biological sex.
• This simplification leads to the exclusion of diverse sexed physiologies and contributes to health disparities.
• The reliance on simplistic models can legitimize harmful medical practices and fuel discriminatory political agendas.

Conclusions:

• Adopting a paradigm that recognizes sexed physiologies as multiple, interacting, and variable is essential for scientific advancement.
• This shift will improve the accuracy and applicability of research findings.
• It will also help prevent the misuse of scientific research against marginalized populations.