Mapping the Surgical Landscape: Resonances and Divergences Between Theories of Cosmetic and Transsexual Body Modification

Authors

  • Beth Pentney Simon Fraser University, studies the discourses of makeover culture. Her SSHRC-funded research interests also include: third wave feminism, postfeminism, online audiences, and feminist television studies.
  • T. Garner Simon Fraser University, focuses research on reconceptualising transgender bodily practices. Other SSHRC-funded research interests include queer theory, whiteness studies, feminist theories of the body, and disability studies.

Abstract

This paper explores the limitations of the disciplinary divide between feminist studies of cosmetic surgery and trans studies of sex reassignment surgery, in order to unpack assumptions that may otherwise go unchallenged within each field. We focus on themes of conformity and transgression, and borders and identity. Résumé Cet article explore les limites de la division entre les études des femmes sur la chirurgie cosmétique et les études sur les trans sur les chirurgie de réassignation de sexe, afin de déballer les assomption qui ne serait autrement pas mises au défi chacune dans leur domaine. Nous nous concentrons sur les thèmes de conformité et de transgression, et des frontières et de l'identité.

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Fort Amherst Lighthouse. St. John's, Newfoundland, 2008. Photographer: Brad Gibb

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Published

2008-01-01

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 1 (2008): Open Topic Issue

Section

Original Research

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