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    Should trans people be postmodernist in the streets but positivist in the spreadsheets? A reply to Sullivan

    Fugard, Andi (2020) Should trans people be postmodernist in the streets but positivist in the spreadsheets? A reply to Sullivan. International Journal of Social Research Methodology 23 (5), pp. 525-531. ISSN 1364-5579.

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    Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2020.1768343

    Abstract

    Accurate census data is essential for a variety of government planning functions and plays an important methodological role in social science. This article responds to issues raised by Alice Sullivan concerning how the UK 2021 census will ask about sex and gender. The two-centuries-old question about male/female sex is not ideal, even with the new guidance proposed; however, I will argue that the proposed changes are unlikely to cause harm. The new open-ended census question on gender identity is welcome and will yield important data. I also respond to Sullivan‘s worries that “queer postmodernists” are “coming for” questionnaires and threaten the sanctity of scientific fact. Sullivan misrepresents trans-inclusive gender theories and how scientific research explaining sex/gender differences is carried out. Finally, I discuss how questioning the ontological reality of trans gender identities leads to transphobic harassment and worse.

    Metadata

    Item Type: Article
    Additional Information: This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis, available online at the link above.
    Keyword(s) / Subject(s): UK census, sex, gender identity
    School: Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences > School of Social Sciences
    Depositing User: Andi Fugard
    Date Deposited: 04 May 2020 10:24
    Last Modified: 25 Jul 2025 15:17
    URI: https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/31812

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