Hermaphroditism, Medical Science and Sexual Identity in Spain, 1850 – 1960
by Richard Cleminson (Author), Francisco Vázquez García (Author),
Description
This is the first book in English to analyse the medical category of ‘hermaphroditism’ in Spain over the period 1850-1960. It attempts to show how the relationship between the male and female body, biological ‘sex’, gender and sexuality constantly changed in the light of emerging medical, legal and social influences. Tracing the evolution of the hermaphrodite from its association with the ‘marvellous’ to the association with intersexuality and transexuality, this book emphasizes how the frameworks employed by scientists and doctors reflected not only changing international paradigms with respect to ‘hermaphrodite science’ but also social anxieties about shifting gender roles, the evolving discourse on sexuality and, in particular, the increased visibility of the ‘sexual deviancies’ such as homosexuality and changing legislation on marriage and divorce. Finally, we hope to open a space whereby the voice of ‘hermaphrodites’ and ‘intersexuals’ themselves could be heard in the past as agents in the construction of their own destiny as figures deemed ‘in-between’ by medicine and society.
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Rights Information
World ex ES, PT, BR; L ex spa
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Endorsements
'This is a fascinating exploration of the changing shapes of hermaphroditism and intersexuality in Spain’s journey through modernity, accessible to readers across a wide range of interests and disciplines. Lucidly and knowledgeably written, the book takes the reader through a story of shifting categories, intense personal struggles, the complex and endlessly revealing processes of ‘sex determination’ by specialists, and the construction of discourses social and professional. Alive to the linkages between science, medicine, society and culture, it gradually reveals a distinctive dialogue between Spanish and international scientific ideas about sex, gender and the body. Patients, experts and institutions alike are given a voice: some of the famous – such as Gregorio Marañón – are listened to with renewed interest and wariness of currently accepted views on them; others are heard and their experiences assessed for the first time here.'
- Professor Chris Perriam, University of Manchester
Author Biography
Richard Cleminson is Senior Lecturer in Spanish at the University of Leeds and has been Deputy Director of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Gender Studies at the same University. His research focuses on the history of sexuality in Spain and has covered male homosexuality, eugenics and political aspects of sexuality.
University of Wales Press
University of Wales Press believes in supporting and disseminating scholarship from and about Wales to a worldwide audience. They mainly publish books in the humanities, arts and sciences.
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Bibliographic Information
- Publisher University of Wales Press
- Publication Date October 2009
- Orginal LanguageEnglish
- ISBN/Identifier 9780708322048
- Publication Country or regionUnited Kingdom
- FormatHardback
- Primary Price 75 GBP
- Pages288
- Publish StatusPublished
- SeriesIberian and Latin American Studies
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