Paper short abstract:

Currently, gender and sex are subjects of debate in society. Our study explores how children understand gender and sex. Some results vary, showing a greater awareness of gender, sexual, and bodily identities, politically correct discourses, and the reproduction of the sex/gender system.

Paper long abstract:

In the current context of Spain and Catalonia, gender is under trouble. The debate over the trans and LGBTQI law (Law 4/2023) has fostered the use of terms that define orientations, performativities, corporealities, and identities, socially located on the periphery of the hierarchy of the sex/gender system that prioritizes heteronormativity (Rubin, 1975). Previously there was silence around these identities ensuring conformity to the norm (Flores, 2010) and the production of normality (Foucault, 1975). However, currently, the marker of difference is named, whereas what is considered "normal" does not need to be mentioned.

This paper shows how children between 9 and 11 years old understand sex and gender. Considering that the same distinction between them as biology/culture assumes that gender itself constitutes sexual difference as a natural fact (Butler, 1999). Some preliminary results, generated within the context of the SexAFIN project, show a greater awareness of terms to define gender, sexual, and bodily identities among children, although not necessarily for labeling what is considered "normal." However, as the binary sex/gender system is a part of the social structure, it continues to reproduce itself when discussing and understanding sexuality. Simultaneously, politically correct discourses on equality are also present.