Identity: Essence or Interpersonal Reality?
Identity is a complex and multifaceted concept that shapes our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. As an autistic transfemme individual, my journey through self-discovery and social interaction highlights the nuances of identity. There are two prominent perspectives on identity: one views it as an individual trait or essence, an inherent and stable core that defines who we are. The other sees identity as an interpersonal reality, shaped by social positions, interactions, and class structures, emphasising the fluid and contextual nature of selfhood.
For instance, my identity as an autistic person reflects an intrinsic aspect of who I am, encompassing my unique neurological wiring and sensory experiences. Meanwhile, my transfemme identity is deeply influenced by societal norms, power dynamics, and my interactions with others, reflecting how social contexts shape my experience of gender.
In today’ article, I aim to explore and contrast these two perspectives on identity, using my experiences as exemplars. By examining identity as both an individual essence and a social construct, we can gain a deeper understanding of the intricate ways in which personal traits and social realities intersect to form our sense of self.
Identity as an Individual Trait/Essence
Identity, when viewed as an individual trait or essence, is considered an intrinsic and stable part of who we are. This perspective suggests that identity is something inherent, residing within us as a fundamental and unchanging core. It is seen as a defining characteristic that remains constant regardless of external influences or social contexts. For example, my identity as an autistic person can be understood through this lens, where my neurological wiring and sensory experiences form an integral part of my essence, inherently defining how I perceive and interact with the world.
Philosophically, the view of identity as an essence aligns with essentialism, which posits that individuals have a set of fixed traits that determine their identity. Key thinkers like Aristotle and later existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre have influenced this perspective, although they approached it from different angles. In psychology, this view is often linked to theories of individualism, where personal attributes, core values, and inherent characteristics are central to one’s identity. Psychologists such as Carl Jung have explored the idea of the ‘true self,’ suggesting that personal development involves discovering and embracing these core aspects of our identity.
Viewing identity as an essence has several implications. It emphasises the importance of self-discovery, encouraging individuals to explore and understand their inherent traits and values. This perspective promotes personal development and authenticity, suggesting that living in alignment with one’s true self leads to a fulfilling and meaningful life. For instance, my journey in embracing my autistic identity involved understanding and accepting my sensory processing differences and communication style as fundamental aspects of who I am.
However, this perspective also has its limitations. By focusing on identity as an intrinsic essence, it can overlook the social and relational aspects of identity formation. This view might fail to account for how our identities are influenced and shaped by interactions, social norms, and power dynamics. For example, my experience as a transfemme individual cannot be fully understood without considering the societal context, including the challenges and affirmations I encounter in various social settings. While my sense of being transfemme feels deeply personal and intrinsic, it is also shaped by the cultural narratives and social structures that influence how gender is perceived and experienced.
Understanding identity as an individual trait or essence offers valuable insights into the stable, inherent aspects of who we are. It highlights the significance of personal authenticity and self-discovery. Yet, it is essential to recognise its limitations, particularly in addressing the dynamic and socially constructed elements of identity that interact with our inherent traits. By integrating these perspectives, we can develop a more comprehensive understanding of identity that honors both our intrinsic characteristics and the complex social realities that shape our experiences.
Identity as an Interpersonal Reality, Social Position, and Class Structure
Identity, when viewed as an interpersonal reality, social position, and class structure, is understood as a dynamic construct shaped through social interactions, roles, and power dynamics. This perspective posits that identity is not merely an internal essence but is continually formed and reformed through our relationships with others and the societal contexts in which we live. For instance, my identity as a transfemme individual is heavily influenced by societal norms, gender roles, and the power dynamics within various social settings. Similarly, my autistic identity is not just a personal trait but is also shaped by how society perceives and interacts with neurodivergence.
Sociological and anthropological theories, such as social constructionism, symbolic interactionism, and critical theory, provide robust frameworks for understanding this view of identity. Social constructionism, popularised by thinkers like Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann, argues that our understanding of reality, including identity, is constructed through social processes. Symbolic interactionism, developed by George Herbert Mead and Charles Horton Cooley, emphasises the role of social interactions and the meanings we derive from them in forming our identities. Critical theory, particularly the work of scholars like Michel Foucault, explores how power and societal structures influence identity formation, highlighting the role of discourse and power relations.
This perspective focuses on the relational and contextual aspects of identity, emphasising how social norms, roles, and structures influence who we are. For example, my experience as a transfemme person is deeply intertwined with the cultural narratives and societal expectations around gender. The acceptance, support, or discrimination I face in different contexts significantly shape my lived experience of gender identity. Similarly, as an autistic individual, my identity is influenced by how society accommodates or marginalises neurodivergent people, affecting my sense of self and belonging.
Viewing identity as socially constructed has several important implications. It underscores the significance of context, power dynamics, and intersectionality in shaping our identities. For instance, understanding my transfemme identity requires acknowledging the intersection of gender, social expectations, and the power structures that dictate societal norms. Intersectionality, a concept introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw, helps us understand how various aspects of identity, such as gender, race, and neurodivergence, intersect and create unique experiences of privilege and oppression.
One of the strengths of this perspective is its recognition of the fluidity of identity. It acknowledges that identity is not fixed but can change over time and across different contexts. This view allows for a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of human identity, considering how social relations and structures continuously influence and reshape who we are. For example, my journey as a transfemme individual involves navigating various social spaces and experiencing different levels of acceptance and affirmation, which in turn shape my sense of self.
However, this perspective also has its challenges. Whilst it highlights the importance of social contexts, it might underemphasise the intrinsic aspects of identity that many individuals feel deeply. Balancing the recognition of social influences with an understanding of inherent traits can provide a more comprehensive view of identity.
As such, viewing identity as an interpersonal reality, social position, and class structure offers valuable insights into the dynamic and socially constructed nature of who we are. It emphasises the role of social interactions, power dynamics, and societal structures in shaping our identities, highlighting the importance of context and fluidity. By integrating this perspective with an appreciation of individual traits, we can achieve a deeper and more holistic understanding of identity that honors both our inherent characteristics and the complex social realities that shape our experiences.
Contrasting the Two Views
When comparing the views of identity as an individual trait or essence and identity as an interpersonal reality shaped by social position and class structure, several key dimensions emerge: stability versus fluidity, individual versus social focus, and the role of power and context.
The view of identity as an individual trait or essence emphasises stability. It suggests that identity is a core, unchanging aspect of a person, rooted in inherent traits and personal attributes. This perspective highlights self-discovery and authenticity, encouraging individuals to align with their true selves. For example, my autistic identity can be seen as an intrinsic part of who I am, characterised by my unique neurological wiring and sensory experiences. This stable aspect of my identity remains consistent regardless of external circumstances.
In contrast, the view of identity as an interpersonal reality emphasises fluidity. Identity is seen as dynamic and continuously shaped by social interactions, roles, and power dynamics. This perspective focuses on the relational and contextual nature of identity, recognising how social norms, structures, and power relations influence our sense of self. For instance, my experience as a transfemme individual illustrates how gender identity is shaped by societal expectations, cultural narratives, and the interactions I have within different social contexts. This fluid aspect of my identity evolves as I navigate various social environments and encounter different levels of acceptance and affirmation.
To illustrate the differences between these perspectives, consider the experience of a person navigating their identity in a supportive versus a discriminatory environment. From the essence perspective, an individual’s core identity remains stable regardless of the environment. For example, my autistic traits and sensory processing differences are intrinsic aspects of who I am, unaffected by external validation or rejection. However, from the social constructionist perspective, the environment plays a crucial role in shaping identity. In a supportive environment, my transfemme identity is affirmed and celebrated, enhancing my sense of self and belonging. In a discriminatory environment, my gender identity might be challenged or invalidated, significantly impacting my experience and expression of self.
Despite their differences, these two perspectives can interplay and integrate to provide a more comprehensive understanding of identity. An understanding of personal essence can be enriched by acknowledging social influences, and vice versa. Recognising the stable, inherent aspects of identity does not negate the importance of social contexts and power dynamics. For instance, whilst my autistic identity is an intrinsic part of who I am, my experience of being autistic is influenced by how society accommodates or marginalises neurodivergent individuals. Similarly, whilst my transfemme identity feels deeply personal and intrinsic, it is shaped by the cultural narratives and social structures that influence how gender is perceived and experienced.
Integrating these perspectives allows for a more nuanced view of identity that honors both the inherent characteristics and the social realities that shape our experiences. It acknowledges that identity is not solely an internal essence or purely a social construct but a complex interplay of both. This integrated approach can lead to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of identity, recognising the stable core of who we are while also appreciating the dynamic and relational aspects of our existence.
Thus, contrasting the views of identity as an individual trait or essence with identity as an interpersonal reality reveals important differences in stability, focus, and the role of power and context. However, by integrating these perspectives, we can develop a more holistic understanding of identity that honors both our intrinsic characteristics and the complex social realities that shape our experiences. This integrated approach provides a richer, more comprehensive framework for understanding the intricate and multifaceted nature of identity.
Retrocausality and Identity
The concept of retrocausality, typically explored in the realms of physics and philosophy, can also be applied to understanding identity. Retrocausality in identity suggests that new information or realisations can rewrite or reframe our past experiences, altering how we perceive our entire life narrative. This process of re-examining and reinterpreting past events through the lens of a new identity can profoundly impact one’s sense of self. My own experiences as an autistic and transfemme individual provide vivid illustrations of this phenomenon.
In 2012, when I received my autism diagnosis, it was a pivotal moment that fundamentally changed my understanding of myself. Prior to the diagnosis, I had navigated life with a series of inexplicable challenges and experiences that seemed disconnected and confusing. The diagnosis of autism offered a coherent framework that connected these disparate pieces, providing clarity and meaning to my past. My brain, equipped with this new lens, retroactively analysed my life, reinterpreting childhood behaviours, social interactions, and sensory experiences in light of my autistic identity.
For instance, the sensory sensitivities and social difficulties I had always struggled with suddenly made sense. What I once viewed as personal shortcomings or quirks were now understood as inherent aspects of my neurodivergent wiring. This reframing not only brought a sense of relief but also a profound reconfiguration of my identity. My past was not rewritten in a literal sense, but my perception of it was transformed. Events that were once sources of confusion and self-doubt became integral parts of my autistic identity, contributing to a deeper self-awareness and acceptance.
A similar process occurred when I came out to myself as transfemme. Before this realisation, my relationship with my gender had been fraught with discomfort and dissonance, feelings that I could not fully articulate or understand. The moment I acknowledged my transfeminine identity, it was as if a veil had lifted, revealing a new perspective on my life. My brain began to retroactively analyse past experiences, recognising patterns and moments that pointed to my true gender identity.
This re-examination of my past through the lens of my trans identity allowed me to understand the root of many of my feelings and behaviours. Instances of gender dysphoria, which I had previously dismissed or misinterpreted, now had context and meaning. Memories of discomfort in traditionally masculine roles and a lifelong affinity for femininity were recast as early indicators of my transfemme identity. This process of retrocausal analysis provided not only validation but also a sense of continuity and coherence to my life story.
Retrocausality in identity highlights the fluid and dynamic nature of self-understanding. It underscores that our sense of self is not fixed but can evolve with new insights and information. This process of reinterpreting the past through the lens of a new identity can be both liberating and transformative. It allows individuals to integrate their experiences into a more cohesive and authentic narrative, fostering greater self-acceptance and empowerment.
For those of us who discover significant aspects of our identity later in life, this retrocausal reconfiguration is a crucial part of the journey. It enables us to reclaim our past, reframe our experiences, and understand our lives in a way that aligns with our true selves. My journey as an autistic transfemme individual has shown me that identity is not just about who we are in the present but also about how we perceive and understand our past. This retroactive reinterpretation can lead to a richer, more nuanced understanding of our lives, helping us to navigate the future with greater clarity and confidence.
As such, retrocausality in identity reflects the profound impact that new realizations and diagnoses can have on our understanding of ourselves. It allows us to rewrite our life narratives, providing coherence and meaning to past experiences. This process is essential for personal growth and self-acceptance, highlighting the dynamic and evolving nature of identity.
Final thoughts …
To wrap up, we have explored the multifaceted nature of identity, contrasting the views of identity as an individual essence versus an interpersonal reality shaped by social positions and class structures. We also delved into the concept of retrocausality, examining how new realisations can rewrite our past narratives. My journey as an autistic trans woman illustrates these perspectives vividly. Understanding my autism and gender identity has allowed me to reframe my past, from being a functionally illiterate high school graduate, unsupported as a gestalt language processor, to finding clarity and coherence in my experiences. During the pandemic, these insights catalysed a profound transformation, enabling me to shift careers from forensic scientist to special education RSP teacher and author two books, one on autism and the other on literacy.
These personal reflections underscore the importance of integrating both intrinsic traits and social influences in our understanding of identity. I encourage you to reflect on your own identities, considering how individual traits and social contexts interplay to shape your sense of self. By doing so, we can foster a deeper appreciation for the dynamic and evolving nature of identity, leading to greater self-acceptance and empowerment.