"Parenting Is Not a Job … It's a Relationship": Recognition and Relational Knowledge Among Parents of Gender Non-conforming Children. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pyne, Jake
• Is Part Of: Journal of progressive human services. Volume 27:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 48
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Child -- family -- gender non-conforming -- gender variant -- parent -- transgender; Social service -- United States -- Periodicals; Radicalism -- United States -- Periodicals; 361.97305
• DOI: 10.1080/10428232.2016.1108139
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1042-8232

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Parents of gender non-conforming children encounter substantial conflict as they negotiate their children's "Otherness." For decades, a pathologizing service model has advocated clinical correction. In opposition, some parents adopt affirming stances toward their children. This study explored the knowledge underneath this stance, asking parents of gender non-conforming children how they know what they know. Analysis revealed a process of recognition and knowledge of the children's needs acquired through relationship. Drawing on political philosophy and psychoanalytic theory, I argue that the affirming approach to gender non-conforming children is a non-aggressive response to the "Other" and a justice-based parenting practice.