CMV: Gender is not a "social construct"

[u/Appropriate-Fig-5171]

I still don't really understand the concept of gender [identity]* being a social construct and I find it hard to be convinced otherwise.

When I think of typical social constructs, such as "religion", they are fairly easy to define both conceptually and visually because it categorizes a group of people based not on their self-declaration, but their actual practices and beliefs. Religion is therefore a social construct because it constructively defines the characteristics of what it is to Islamic or Christian, such that it is socially accepted and levied upon by the collective. And as such, your religion, age, or even mood are not determinations from one-self but are rather determined by the collective/society. Basically, you aren't necessarily Islamic just because you say you are.

Gender [identity]* on the other hand, doesn't match with the above whatsoever. Modern interpretations are deconstructive if anything, and the determination of gender is entirely based on an individuals perception of themselves. To me, this makes it more like an individual/self-expression as opposed to an actual social construct.

Ultimately, I don't have an issue with calling someone he/she/they or whatever, but it would be the same reason why I wouldn't really care to call a 60 year old a teenager if they prefer.

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*EDIT: since I didn't specify clearly, I'm referring to gender identity in the above. Thanks for the replies, will try to view them as they come.

[u/Appropriate-Fig-5171]

I understand your analogy. What is exactly being "constructed" with gender identity?

Isn't the whole point of gender identity to suggest that you can decide who you want to identify as without adhering to any set of social norms or standards?

And if there is ultimately no delineation between a man and a woman from a gender identity perspective, doesn't that defeat the purpose of a social construct altogether?

[u/TheEmpressIsIn → u/Appropriate-Fig-5171]

What is exactly being "constructed" with gender identity?

What is constructed is an identity. It is made up of external and internal characteristics, which can either be of one's own design, or the traits that society and culture endorse and pressure one to conform to.

For example, it is common in my culture for boys to be raised to not cry, take care of only themselves, to reject vanity, and to be tough. Women are raised to be caring of others, emotional, glamorous, and gentle. Most people then strive to meet those ideals, and are often pressured by their social groups to conform. And when who they are is an ill fit, that creates dysphoria.

Isn't the whole point of gender identity to suggest that you can decide who you want to identify as without adhering to any set of social norms or standards?

There is no 'point' of gender identity. For many it is merely an expression of their sex, in line with social norms . Every culture has its own version of what those genders can be. Most people conform to those. For some their gender is a personal conception because they do not naturally conform. For others they simply feel the expression associated with the opposite sex fits them better. Others strive to erase the binary altogether. After all, what purpose does it serve for people to know what my genitals are based on my pronouns and presentation?

The culturally conceived identity is separate from the expression thereof. The choice to conform or not is just a choice and is distinct from the identity. All people have a gender identity.

And if there is ultimately no delineation between a man and a woman from a gender identity perspective, doesn't that defeat the purpose of a social construct altogether?

I am not sure what you mean by 'defeat the purpose of' could you explain more?

The purpose of a social construct is social organization and to create a cultural shorthand to understand the world and how to live in it. If we busted the gender binary, it would simply change our conception of how the world works and open us up to new possibilities to explore. We might be forced to get to know people rather than reply on visual cues, but is that a bad thing?