Third Gender

The terms third gender and third sex describe individuals who are categorized (by their will or by social consensus) as neither man nor woman, as well as the social category present in thosesocieties who recognize three or more genders. The term "third" is usually understood to mean "other"; some anthropologists and sociologists have described fourth, fifth, and even some genders. The conceptsof "third", "fourth" and "some" gender can be somewhat difficult to understand within Western conceptual categories. Since at least the 1970s, anthropologists have described gender categories in somecultures which they could not adequately explain using a two-gender framework.] At the same time, feminists began to draw a distinction between (biological) sex and (social/psychological) gender.Contemporary gender theorists usually argue that a two-gender system is neither innate nor universal. A sex/gender system which recognizes only the following two social norms has been labeled"heteronormative":
Since at least the 1970s, anthropologists have described gender categories in some cultures which they could not adequately explain using a two-gender framework.[3] At the same time, feministsbegan to draw a distinction between (biological) sex and (social/psychological) gender. Contemporary gender theorists usually argue that a two-gender system is neither innate nor universal. Asex/gender system which recognizes only the following two social norms has been labeled "heteronormative":
India
The Hijra of India are probably the most well-known and populous third sex type in the modernworld – Mumbai-based community health organisation The Humsafar Trust estimates there are between 5 and 6 million hijras in India. In different areas they are known as Aravani/Aruvani or Jogappa.Often (somewhat misleadingly) called eunuchs in English, they may be born intersex or apparently male, dress in feminine clothes and generally see themselves as neither men nor women. Only eight...