Gender identity from a dialogical and semiotic cultural perspective

Abstract

Contrary to common sense and the heteronormative thought that “man is born a man” and “woman is born a woman”, the construction of a gender/sexual identity can be seen as an intensely dynamic process involving the internalization and externalization of collective and individual meanings, enclosing a crucial importance for the development of subjects. The present article addresses the issue from a dialogical and Semiotic Cultural Psychology approaches, in their relationship with other theoretical discussions concerning the subject of gender/sexual identity processes. Numerous are the debates about gender/sexual identities in present-day sociocultural contexts, but the topic requires a systemic, all-inclusive analysis of sociocultural structures, practices, and the dynamics between micro, meso and macro cultural levels, in interaction with the active role of subjectivity. We then propose a new construct within the framework of a Dialogical Self Theoretical approach designated as Irradiating Self Positioning, to better explain the power of gender/sexual dimensions within the Dialogical Self. Knowledge so constructed may contribute to making sense of developmental issues concerning the subject, and this may support the full acceptance of sexual and gender diversities in our societies.